Memoir of the Rev. Joseph Stibbs Christmas [microform]

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MEMOIR

OF THE

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS.

By E. LORD.

WITH

FAREWELL LETTER TO THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETY
OF MONTREAL,

LETTER FROM THE REV. HENRY WILKES, D.D.

aMontrent :
PRINTED BY JOHN LOVELL, ST. NICHOLAS STREET.

1868.

oe “Le Po be
tl ects tats 1A: why

CONTENTS.

PARENTAGE and erly years of Mr. Christmas ;—his fondness for
poetry and painting;—notice of his poem, entitled The Artist,
and of various compositions and translations while he was a
member of Washington College, p. 10—13.

His attention drawn to the subject of religion ;—letters from
Rev. Mr. Reed and Rev. Dr. Wylie, relative to that period of his
life, p. 13—17.

His narrative of his religious views and feelings on becoming
a member of the Church, in Wooster, Ohio, p. 17—20.

Removes to Princeton, joins, and continues, through the usual
course of three years, a member of the Theological Seminary :—.
brief extracts from hig journal, p. 20—25.

Notice of subjects which specially engaged his attention while

at ’rinceton ;—prayer, p. 27—-31. Character and work of the
Saviour, p. 32.

His design of devoting himself to the service of the Protestant
Churches in France ;—one of his letters on that subject ;—an es-
say of the history and state on those Churches, and the facilities
of access and usefulness to them, p. 33—46.

Receives license to preach the Gospel ;—is immediately invited
to officiate in a newly organized Church in Montreal :—receives
& unanimous call, and is ordained pastor of that Church, p. 47.

vi

Marriage ;—review of his abundant and successful labors in
Montreal ;—notice of his tract on Repentance, No. 183 of the se-
ries of the American Tract Society ;—essay and sermons on the
authority and duties of the Lord’s day ;—controversy with Ca-
tholic priests, &c.;—an appeal to the inhabitants of Lower Ca-
nada, on the sulject of temperance ; discourse on moral inabili-
ty ;—tr-ct No. 252, entitled, ‘ Mary Le Fleur,” p. 48—54.

Dissolution of his pastoral relation, on account ’'f his ill health ;
—letter to the Presbytery on that ocasion ;—notice of his Fare-
well Letter to his people, p. 54—58.

His voyage to New Orleans as agent of the American Bible
Society in January, 1829 ;-—-death of his two children in April
and May ;—rapid decline and decease of Mrs. Christmas, p. S8—=
60.

Addresses, &c., written by him for the Temperance and Tract
Societies ;—his installation as pastor of the Bowery Presbyterian
church ;—his sudden illness and death, March 14th, 1830, p. 61
—62.

Survey of his character ;—remarkable purity and simplicity of
his mind ;—the pervading influence of his piety ;—the influence
of his principles over his conduct, p. 63—71.

Particulars in which bis example was worthy of imitation :—
Ist, in regard *o the leading object and purpose of his life, name-
ly, to glorify God by obedience to his will, p. 72;—2nd, in his
views of doing good,—the manner of exerting his agency so
as both to glorify God and benefit his fellow-men, p. 78 ;—3rd,
his diligence and his great and persevering efforts to accomplish
what he undertook, p. 81 ;—4th, in his practice of looking for,
desiring, and expecting the beneficial results of his prayers and
efforts, both here and hereafter, p. 82 ;—5th, in his example as
a good man, enduring severe trials and sufferings, p. 87 ;—re-
flections in view of his character and history ;—allusion to the
history of Carey, Fuller, Ryland, &c.—quotations from the two
latter respecting Pearce, p, 89—95.

(
(
i
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’

vii

s in Discourse on Christian Intercession ;—its happy effects on
2 Be- ourselves ; promotes friendship ;—is an antidote to resentment;
the —greatly increases ministerial usefulness ; animates to diligence
Ca- in promoting the happiness of our fellow-men ;—blessings promis-
Ca- ed to intercessions for the salvation of men, p. 95—103.
a Discourses respecting that inability which prevents the sinner
from embracing the gospel ;—two opposite views of this subject
th ; which have been held, stated; what is meant by natural ability,
‘are. and what by mora! ability; the inability which prevents a sin-
ner from obeying the Gospel, wholly moral, consisting in his un-
willingness ;—the distinction no less important than obvious, p.
Bible 104—110. Proofs that men possess natural ability, perfectly to love
\pril God and to obey the Gospel,—argued from the divine commands ;
58 — —the objection that this ability was lost in Adam, answered ;—
f also the notion that though we are not able to obey, God has
act ‘ promised to give strength to those who ask him ;—other objec-
stank tions noticed and refuted, p. 110—123. Practical inferences ;—
». 61 ; if men have ability to obey Goc, the want of a disposition to do
, so, is no excuse for disobedience ;—if they possess such ability,
2 then they are not passive in regeneration ;—and those Scriptures
y of 4 which speak of repentance, faith, and love as man’s duty, are
ence a easily seen to be consistent with those which speak of them as

- ia God's gift ; the destruction of those who do not obey the gospel 4
‘ is to be attributed wholly to themselves ;—pussessing such abili-
ty, it is a wicked thing in men to delay repentance on pretence of
waiting for divine aid, p. 123—141.

Farewell letter to the American Presbyterian Society of Mon-
treal, L. C., p. 142—179.

Letter from the Rev. Henry Wilkes, D.D., p. 180—188.

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MEMOIR.

THE subject of the following memorial, JosEpu STIBBS
CrrisTMAS, was born April 10th, 1803, in Georgetown,
Beaver county, Pennsylvania. His parents had thirteen
children, of whom he was theeighth. His father was de-
scended from an ancient family of the north of England.
Having passed the early part of his life in London, he re-
moved to this country and settled in Pennsylvania, in 1784.
His maternal grandfather, Joseph Stibbs, likewise from
London, came to this country and settled in the then co-
lony of Virginia, prior to the revolution.

From his earliest years the extraordinary versability and
ardor ofhis mind were displayed both in his stuties and in
his more active employments. He discovered a restless
spirit of inquiry into every subject to which his attention
was directed, and at the same time a taste for rural scenery,
au inventive and imitative turn, and a remarkable fond-
ness for drawing and painting. A communication from
one of his relatives states that before he was eight years old
he had a room appropriated to himself, where he practised
drawing maps and painting, and that he became so devoted
to the use of his pencil as to subject himself to severe pri-
vations, in order to indulge that propensity.

B

10 MEMOIR OF TILE

He continued to cherish this passion for painting till
near the close of his terms at college ; and at one period it
engrossed nearly all his time and attention, and was de-
signed to be the object of his future life. He accordingly
studied and wrote much on this and its kindred arts. Se-
veral of his manuscripts on this subject are preserved, some
treating it by way of analysis, others of criticism ; some
consisting of notes and observations on the history of paint-
ters and painting, and some defending the art, as a pursuit
for life, against the objections of his friends and acquaint-
ances. From these papers, and from some letters which
were addressed to him, it appears that he continued to prac-
tice this art with increasing facility and very flattering
suecess; and that he was encouraged to send one of his ori-
inal pieces in oil to the exhibition at Philadelphia.

In addition to this, he gave himself at’ the same time to
the kindred, and, to a genius and temperament like his, no
less fascinating, art of poetry. Did his papers furnish noth-
ing but what remains of his first sixteen years on this sub-
ject, they would suffice to show that he possessed those rare
talents and qualities which fitted him to excel in whatever
he undertook. He pursued with this the same method as
with every other subject upon which he bestowed any con-
siderable attention ; he analyzed it, studicd its history, prin-
ciples, and relations, and then practised. Having once pos-
sessed himself of a subject in this manner, it seemed to oc-
cupy a fixed place in his mind, and to be ever ready to be
used at pleasure.

As an illustration of the hold which poetry and painting
had ‘gained on him, and of his success in the cultivation of
them, it may suffice to mention his “ Poem in two cantos’’
entitled “ THE ARTIST ; prepared for the public contest be-

5 tee
1 gE i eS

oor,

ete!

painting till
ne period it
and was de-
y accordingly
sd arts, Se-
served, some
icism ; some
tory of paint-
, as a pursuit
and acquaint-
letters which
inued to prac-
ery flattering
yne of his ort-
elphia.
same time to
t like his, no
furnish noth-
s on this sub-
ssed those rare
bl in whatever
me method as
wed any con-
s history, prin-
ving once pos-
seemed to oc-
er ready to be

y and painting
cultivation of
n two cantos”’
blie contest be-

ekeit a

Bie ae

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 1]

tween the Union and Literary Socictics of Washington Col-
lege,” (of which he was then a member, and in his sixteenth
year;) “and published by the Union Society in 1819.”
It was his object to vindicate the fine arts from the dispa-
raging opinions then current as to their importance, and to
awaken an interest in their faver. His analysis of this
poem is subjoined,* from the above mentioned edition.
Fragments of two other poems written at a later period, and
a variety of smaller poetic compositions, remain among his
papers.

His compositions and translations between his cighth and
sixteeth year on the different subjects which his studies and
employme:ts brought within his view are very numerous,
and for the most part such as might be appealed to in proof

* “Canto I. opens with a view of the dark ages—inquires what
first relieved mankind from the thraldom of superstition and igno-
rance—attributes this emancipation to the fine arts—mentions
some of the modern poets of Italy—Dante—Tasso—Petrarch—
artists, Michael Angelo—Buonarrotti described— Da Vince—an
allusion to the battle of Pisa—Raphael, his character, fame, un-
timely death--Traits of Correggio, his penury, misfortune--Titian,
his excellence, chiefly in coloring—Tintoret—Giorgione—Paul
Veronese—characteristics of Salvator Rosa—the three Caracci,
Hannibal, Agostino, Ludovico—their scholars, Guido and Domi-
nichino—proceeds to the painters of France—Poussin—Le Brun
—Le Seur—the sanguinary David—-Fiemish artists — Rubens,
Vandyke, Rembrandt—-Prussian, Eckstein—the English school,
Reynolds, Fuseli, Wilson, Barry—mentions the sources whence
the painters drew their knowledge of design and correctness of
contour—the antique.”

“Canto II. While the works of the learned are excluded from
the view of the greater part of mankind by the veil of ignorance,
the sublime conceptions of the artist are poured on every eye—

sea ee

‘Whites Mee

{Vv VEMOIR OF THE

oft the rapid progress of his mind, and the dilivence nel
ardor with whieh he pursned his education, Among those
of his manuseripts of that period whieh deserve partioula
notiee, are the following: atranslation of Lucian’s twenty
third dialowue, under date 238d January, E806 (bis thir
teenth year), which is done in an easy, flowing style, and
written out ina fair hand, :

A translation of part of Virgil's Pollio, and some trans
lations from Greek authors,

A translation (in part) of the commentaries of Tirtius
concerning the African war. This manuseript, of about
forty pages, is very plainly written, and has a full title
page as if intended for publication,

And of original compositions, beside some in Latin and

enumerates the various incentives in Nurope to excite the imagi

nation, and create painters and poots—-particularly the relics of
antiquity and the places consecrated in the pages of history—
how many advantages they possess when compared with those of
America, especially the opportunity ofstudying the antique, and
the assistance of such patrons as the Medici; yet America has
produced abundant and superior talents for the fine arts—presents
a view of West on his voyage to Rome—mentions the picture of
Christ healing the sick—Stewart—anticipation that when Europe
shall again be plunged in the night of barbarism, the arts may
find refuge in America—Leslie—Allston—adverts to those cavil-
lers who suppose that America possesses not genius—calls upon
the departed great of America to deny the assertion—invokes
the Americans to cherish the fine arts, to consider them as well
their honor as the economy of the nation—allusion to Daniel's
propheey—mention of Trumbull—to those mortals who possess
no taste—describes a genuine and amiable poet or artist—the pro-
gress of genius—the progress of a work of genius concludes with
an apostrophe to the graphic muse.”

RE sew mn gr or

SF cn eae am aaa

livenee and
On thoae
© partioula
una twenty

0 (his thir
Tu atyle, and

anime trans

aot Hirtius
pt, of nbout
a fe full title

in Latin and

‘ite the ina
- the relies of
a of history—
h with thoge of
e antique, and
America has
arts—-presents
the picture of
t when Hurope
the arts may
to those cavil-
is—calls upon
rtion—invokes
r them as well
un to Daniel's
Is who possess
rtist—the pro-
soneludes with

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nev. JOSEPH STINBS CHRISTMAS i

tireek, there are

piece dated Nov. TS16, on the Emimortality of the Soul,

ft extended rt Analysis of’ Logie,” -

and several essays on other subjects: also a Salutatory Ad
LHI,

when he graduated, in which he endeavored to model the

dross on the Fine Arts, delivered in) September,

mecossive paragraphs in such aimanneras to excmplify the
rules, and illustrate every part of rhetoric,

In the course of the year 1819 his attention was drawn
to the subject of religion, and a total change in his views,
With relation to this
very interesting period, a letter has been received from his
brother-in-law, Rev. James Rowland, of Mansficlds, Ohio,
and likewise a letter from Rev, Andrew Wylie, D.D., then
president of the college.

“Tn the summer of 1818,” says Mr. R., “when at Wash-

affections and purposes took place.

ington Colleve as professor of languayes, [ was informed
by Mr. James Reek, professor of natural sciences, in a con-
versation respecting the prospect of students for the winter
session, that Joseph S. Christmas was about to return, and
he added, he is himself a host. I had before heard of the
Christmas family of Georgetown, forty miles below Pitts-
burgh, but had no personal acquaintance with any mem-
her of it. At the commencement of the scssion young
Christmas came. Tle seemed about fifteen years of age,
and was very interesting. He had been in college under
Dr. Brown, and this was to be his last year. In the win-
ter he practised painting, and wrote for the spring contest
his first printed composition, a poem on the subject of the

Kine Arts called The Artist. At that time it was his in-

enti. “te this: Me, ee

14 VEMOIR OF TIE

tention to repair to the Aeademy of Philadelphia immedi

a EEE Es 2:

ihn

ately after leaving college, But in the eourse of the sum

Dar

mor (T1819) the death of two of his fellow students oveeur

ee ea

| red, one of whom was his partioular companion, anda great
change took place in his views and purposes, Tn Septem :

bor he graduated; the first honors of the elass were, with

out any hesitation, conferred on him by the Board,

“Tn Bebruary or Mareh, T8109, T had my first conver

sation with him on religious subjects. 1 eannot nog re

late all that passed, but one thing Ewell remember his tell

ing me, namely, that when a child, reflecting on his aecoun

tability to God, he thought he would beware, and not have

PBT a ee ego

to answer for any sin until he should be seven years of age.
Krom college he returned home to Georgetown, and thence :
removed with the family to Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio. :
There, in complianee with the wishes of his father, he eom. :
meneed the study of medicine. At the same time he was
abridging Claude and writing sermons, ‘There were many
obstacles in the way of his entering on the study of theo

logy, owing partly to the opinions and feelings of some of

his near relatives, and partly to his pecuniary cireumstances

after the expenses of his classical education ; and it was not
until the spring of 1821 that these difficulties were entirely m4

removed.”

Rey. Dr. Wylie, after referring to the circumstances of
his first acquaintance with Mr. Christmas, at Washington
College, says, “* He soon attracted my particular attention,
and, indeed, it was hardly possible not to feel an interest
in him at the first view. The soft tones of his voice, the
regularity of his features, the peculiarly mild expression of
his countenance, joined to the infantine simplicity of his
whole manner, led me to expect something delicate but not

iv immedi
f the sum
lenta oeeur
anda great
In Septem
were, with
ard,

lirat conver
Hot naw 1
her his tell
his aceoun
ind not have
voars of ave.
and thenee
minty, Ohio,
her, he eom-
time he was
re were many
udy of theo
bof some of
renstanees
idk it was not
vere entirely

lmstances of
Washington
ar attention,
| an interest
is voice, the

»xpression of

licity of his
icate but not

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Bae gt TS eA?

Mir

REV, JOSEPH STINKS CHRISTMAS, 1

strong in the character of hisimind. LT was soon induced
to change, in some degree, the opinion of his intellectual
sharacter, which the impression made by his personal ap
pearance had led me to form, Efe soon rose to a high
standing in hisclass, though painting, of which at that time
he was excessively fond, drew off much of his attention
On this subject [ often expos
I found he had,

as most young people of a lively fancy are apt todo, sketch

from his regular studies,
tulated with him in private, but in vain.

ed out a plan of life for himself, in which the determination
to go to Italy for the purpose of gratifying and improving
his taste for painting, held a prominent place. The indul
vence of such thoughts was likely to prove injurious to him,
His emphatic reply
was, ‘As soon might a tender mother abandon her nursing
child.’ T said no more to him on the subject. During
the last year, however, he did abandon such thoughts ; for

and he was exhorted to lay them aside.

his mind had become deeply engaged in something which
he felt to be vastly more important religion.

“ The evidences of Christianity which were presented to
the class in the course of a few lectures in an imperfect,
but simple and affectionate manner, as a subject on which
they ought to come without delay to some practical deter-
mination, furnished the occasion of his seriousness, and
his change of views as to the whole business of life. I do
not know whether he communicated anything on the state
of his mind while undergoing this change to any one except
myself, and to me not much, or frequently. He was natur-
uly modest and reserved, and was counselled, on the subject
which he then felt to be a matter of deep personal concern,
neither to seek nor to depend much on the directions of
men, but to go to God by prayer and daily consultation of

a

as

2 SENT 9 memes ten

16 MEMOIR OF THE

His holy word. In this I have reason to believe he was
much engaged, He did not, at any time during the
progress of his early experience, seem to be under the in-
fluence of strong terrors; but was deeply and awfully im-
pressed with a sense of the importance of religion. And
when he obtained satisfactory discoveries of the way of
salvation as made known in the gospel, he seemed to be
brought in a manner suited to the native gentleness of his
character, to the state of mind which Peter expressed when
he said, ‘ Lord, to whom should we go but uato thee, thou
hast the words of eternal life.” At the same time, with
the heartfelt satisfaction which he experienced in trusting
his own soul to the hands of Jesus, arose a strong desire to
point him out to others as the Lamb of God who taketh
away the sins of the world. Under the influence of this
desire he sought an introduction into the office of the
Christian ministry, and though difficulties were presented,
Providence at length cleared up the way.”

After he had relinquished the study of medicine and
determined to prepare for the duties of the sacred office,
in a letter to a friend from whom he solicited some assis-
tance, having mentioned the struggle he had had in relation
to this change of pursuits, he says, “‘ I might with propriety
say with Jeremiah, that the word of the Lord was in my
heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was
weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”’

It was not long after this period that he applied for ad-
nission, and was received into the Presbyterian Church in
Wooster. Through one of his relatives the narrative of
his religious experience, which he drew up and presented
on that occasian, has been received, from the Rev. Thomas
Barr, pastor of that church, who on inclosing it writes as

eve he was
during the
ler the in-
wfully im-
yion. And
the way of
med to be
eness of his
ressed when
) thee, thou
time, with
in trusting
ng desire to
who taketh
nce of this
fice of the
p presented,

dicine and
ered office,
some assis-
1 in relation
h propriety
Was In my
and I was

ied for ad-
Church in
arrative of
presented
bv. Thomas
writes as

Os det in

Pees ia Ea
7 eo eres 7

ss

Hag 36 tactical ne =
UNCe See ee

Peas ogi =
Pee

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. je

fullows: ‘“ Dear sir, understanding that some sketches of
the life of your late endeared and most estimable relative,
Rev. J. S. Christmas, are about to be published, as it may
be a valuable acquisition to the writer of his memoirs, I
inclose the written exhibition by his own hand, which he
laid before the session of Wooster church, at the time he
was cordially received to membership. He was received
the next sabbath, I think, after the date of his narrative.
I had intended to preserve for my own use this now pre-
cious relic of his memory ; but under existing circumstances
should feel guilty in withholding it.”

The following is a copy of this narrative.
was now a little over eighteen years of age.

The writer

© Woosrer, Saturpay, MAy 5, 1821.
“ To the Session of the Church.

‘Tn narrating the dealings of God with my soul, I have
first to state that the kingdom of heaven came not with
observation ; that it has always been a subject of regret
that the exercises of my mind were not more distinctly
marked like those of many Christians who have had well
defined seasons of conviction, succeeded by a state of life
and joy. But though I cannot ascertain the precise time
of my regeneration, yet many particulars relating to my
conversion or turning to God, can be zecollected. About
twenty months since I was actuated, I know of no exciting
cause in particular, partly by the powerful preaching, and
partly by the reading of the word and some providences of
God, to some concern with regard to my immortal interests ;
but I know of no extraordinary exercise of mine then, of
no very fearful apprehensions of the wrath to come, or
sudden manifestation of the glory of God in the face of

{a AVM re hae

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Wely ve Wy the died at tlre Tate ebatl ney Moety tre pened i thea
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Thay wl ag fe tye Meh) ovat plone Cal Chat we nied
We Dory monty tat wwe die all Tey tea tinee enneti edd eedes
Thor of ee Taw that CMetet lava meenmed (he enpean af
Hh Taw i ow ete aid apened: apa new nnd Tdi wy
Wyowlveh we may lave aoe) to tlie Mather Trea bean
The divty of prayer, and de ociine the evileneod of annedti
Aeation, and onidivally éy hope conearniing my good eatate
Looking back upon thie period, (hath Pane aany things
Plaiy wow. whieh were obeepe then, and lave teen
fanelt some things elywe whiel To davew not die. ane
Thoneh then wor very amy dperfbetiona day walk,
vet Tethink Dean diseawer eotie of (he Coeble beatiadinad of
evaee Te this atate PE oeontinied: eome monthea, wither
anv sensible prvgress, and then, alae th every Chine Tike re
Yaron eafiyed a orrvdial and fatal deelenaion. hia nroge
{ram too faitiay an ivtertoupree with éle world, Che wane
of Christian fellowship, and ‘he negleet of the meana of
ered When Tsay ft are Chom titereourse with the
world, Ne Tomean that these exeited the unsubdied
aammality of ww heart. When U strayed from God, how
over, he craciousty hedged upiny way. And PT pive this
my testimony that such declension has panes under whieh
its subjests smart. At this time Tlost the form: of podli
moss and though vy mind was disturbod with the conti
mral recurrence of remorse, vet T could sometimes sit alto-
gothor indiforent and wnmoved under the preaching of the
word. T shall pass over this gloomy season of darkness

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eh af ny many whale fa be reetoredd bo beh ebak wf 4
coneilintion and teanquillify whieh Penjayed when th
conde of the Bard ehone ipenteg head Pb ther thonahe
Hietallny freer ee perionoe of the Dard goudness are
oo Nnedon: bat ednee Plinge heen reeacerad P think diffe
rontly. Phere are not oenting tnetanecs of the belterer
lone nnd priegone defeetion , nearean Pose nny thing on
eonmeietont with the reign of gence, far Cad te permit the
holiever to fallinte ened) defection einee dt benehes bine more
complete orelinnee an GQad'a power to preserve bin Fron
filling, and hia need of preston watehfulnedw in Futana te
minke hia ealling and eleetion sure, to mdd te his faith virtae
to virtie knowledge, &e The way waa naw open for my
restoration, and Cliristion conversation vas preparing me
hat that whieh P think first led to repentance, and ta seek
reconeilintion carefully with fears, was a sermon preached
hy Meo To) Pityhes and Prom thet time to this DP hope
Ihave been growing in the knowledge of oar Lord ond
Saviour Jesus Christ, and observing my interest in hie
righteousness snd mediation become more and more clear
One losson in particnlar L have been taught of late, to live
hy fnith and not hy SOT Ie, before this, whenever engaged
incommunion with God, if T felt a want of life and of th.
spirit of devotion, and enjoyed not the apecial presence r,4
(lod, Twas instantly ready to question my lot and part
with his people, and to doubt his love; and though sach
HcansiOns Now vrieve, if feel more assured that though he
lorve me for a short time, yet with great mercies he will
gathor me. My views of sin are far different frorm what
they once were, and what most opened my eyes to its enor

ERNE Es

a Ra NNN te

\) VMN cee PUED

haty, Was the viewstowa eufloringa foe cb whieh God inthiet

Od oon tia Sono the eroga, E have cblivently and prayer

Hally examined: myaoll by all the tratta of the Chetetion

Otaraetor, and bowdoht God a there were any hidden oval

mony teat, Chat he would alow th me, and afterall bam

led to eonelido Civarably of ay eatate, and to bolieve Ghat

(rod Nas ronewed my heart, pardoned my eina, given me the

put oF adoption, and bestowed joy and poneo in believing
for Christ sake. Dat atill Te tlad) aclaw that) when
would do oood, evilia pregent with mes Corb delight in

the Taw of God after the daward ming bat 2b eee another

Daw In my Mombors, warring againet Che law of iy nine ,
Wal begin ine inte oaptivity tothe law of ain whieh is

omy tnhombors, Of awretehod man that Tam! whoo shall
deliver me trom the body of this doath ? TP thank God,
through Fosus Cheist our Lord. While TE seek the privi

loge af communion with the sainta, PE foel that damn the

loast ofall saints) yet beoanse Christ has shown me morey,
1 desire that his people may be my people, and: their God
my God, Prom: this very brief and taporfoot and, bE think, t
stneere statomont of the dealings of God with mo, Lb hope
that the Session may fool disposed to oxtond tome the pri
Viloge of communion; and may God) suporintend their ;
deliberations and direet their decision. i

Josspu S. Curistaas,”

Heo now ahnost immediately proeeoded to Princeton, ;
and became a meombor of the theological sominary. There 4

remain among his papors two printed numbers of an Mssay
on Pubhe Preaching, which were written by him, and pub-
lished at Wooster, in the “ Ohio Spectator,” under. the
signature of duvenis, in Decomber, 1819; that is, shortly

dod drthiot
mn prayer
he C'Tetation
Nicklin evil
Norall, bam
lotiower Cheat
viven me the
vin believing
wt when
T odlelioht in
Hoo nnmother
Hany mind,
ain Which is
1! who shall
thank God,
ho the privt
MoT oat the
MO MOErEy,
l their (tod
md, LE think,
Wie, | hope
me tho pri-
vtoma there

IST MAS,”

Prineeton,
ry. There
fan Kssay
ny and pub-
under the
, is, shortly

HEV. JOSRVH ATTN CIAL WAS ‘|

after die deft college, ‘Phe following are extents Pron the
fire number, whieh troate of the inportonce, necouity
vn diffiouity of public pronohiny, After epouking of the
necessity of an diving revelation for the ineteaction wad vas
dance of inankind, he saya, We shonid be inelined t
think that a revelation #o important nnd nocosury, wm reve

lation from God, would) be eagerly desired sod embraced
[ut our exporienes is vastly the reverse, This very reve
lation tella ua that we “love darkness rather than light

(od was well aware of this surprising faet, Te haa taken
the moat effectual moana to countsrnct the porversity, bbe
has multipliod preachers in every me, Prom Knoch the
proachor of righteousness, to his gospel ministers at thie
day; has never suffered an intermission in this extensive
plan; has added miracles to strike; hos given tine pon
line, and precept upon precept; has prescribed ordinances
and ceremonios ; has set apart tines for the special cones
deration of his truths and the worsh’p off himself, and
above all, bias added to these means the effusions of hie
Holy Spirit. One solitary, though it were a complete
declaration of truth, is not sufficient to produces any im
pression or permanent yood on our obstinate minds. Com

mands must be repeated, crimes forbidden, duty enforced
motives presented, the memory refreshed, the understand
ing enlightened, the heart affected, avain and again; and
after all this, how often has the preacher of righteousness
been forced to exclaim with the prophet, ‘[ have stretehed
out my hand all day long to a disobedient and vain- saying
people ?”

what conseqnences would ensue were they totally relaxed 7

I such efforts are more than once unsuecesafal,

‘“ But the exhibition even of truths, however interest,
ing in themselves, if shown always in the same light. will

—_

43 MEMOIR OF TIF

disyust. They must be seen in the best light: pleasure
must be mixed with instruetion, We must captivate the
imagination to reach the understanding, the intelleet must
he enlightened to reach the heart, and we must avail our:
selves of the ardor of the feelings to induce the will. It
is not easy to make the viee we love appear as our most

OO

deadly enemy. It is no mean art to make a virtue, to
which we are indifferent, appear lovely and interesting. It is
not every illiterate speaker that can solve difficulties, explain

ee a

mysteries, banish doubts, influence the zeal, and animate
the progress of the Christian, A view of the abuses of the
pulpit, and a desire to prompt the industry, and encourage
all who aseend it to persevere in the study of perfect ora-
tory and a complete knowledge of theology, induces me to
commence these essays, At the same time, [ would wish is
them to understand in how difficult and arduous a situa-
tion they are placed,”

Soon after he came to reside at Prineeton, he commenced
a private journal, which, however, was continued but a
short time, owing, as may be inferred from several notices
in it, to an enfeebled state of health, which a too eager and
exclusive exertion of mind already began to induce, and
from which, itis probable, he was never afterwards entirely
free. From this journal the following brief extracts are
inade :

“August 9, 1821.—In the afternoon, [ spent an hour in
the library, examining the ever-to-be-revered Whitfield’s
manuscript journal. It records his daily labors for about
two years. How did my heart burn within me as I read

ht: pleasure
aptivate the
ntelleet must
ist avail our:
the will. = Tt
as our most
a virtue, to
resting. Itis
alties, explain
and animate
abuses of the
nd encourage
f perfect ora-
nduces me to
would wish
uous a situa-

y commenced
inued but a
veral notices
oo eager and
induce, and
ards entirely
extracts are

; an hour in
Whitfield’s
rs for about
eas I read

RKV. JOSEPEL STIDBS CURIBSTMAS yA |

of his incessant labors, in season and out of season—his
holy aspirations and devout meditations! Oh that a larg
portion of his spirit might rest upon me, and that unction
from on high which spread such a savor of life unto life all
around him.”

“ August 10,—In two days [ am for the second time to
unite with the people of God in commemorating my Sa-
viour’s dying love.”

Then follows a very long prayer, carefully written out,
including a kind of covenant, at the close of which he
says: —" Spent the forenoon in’ writing the foregoing,
after which walked out on che road, and had sweet medi-
tations on the love of God. Towards evening, went into
the woods, to my accustomed resort, and read over the pre-
ceding pages several times,’’

Saturday, August 11.—FFasted this day, and was
much in prayer and self-examination,

“ Lord's day, August 12.—Spent the morning in prayer
and in coding the scriptures. At church, the exercises
produced .a me, and IT doubt not in most of the children of
God, a joy unspeakable and full of glory. May the strength
of Christ be perfected in my weakness in fulfilling more
perfectly than I have ever yet done the vows of God which
are upon me,”’

“ August 13.—Wrote a letter to , earnestly exhort-
ing him to flee from the wrath to come. The Lord, who
can accomplish much by the feeblest means, can bless these
few lines which I have sent to the eternal salvation of hirm
for whom I have so often prayed and interceded. I find
that cultivating the gift prepares us better for entering
into the spirit of prayer, and that a clear and methodical
arrangement of the topics we are to dwell on before (od is

* POSNER II I
calcd

24 MEMOIR OF THE

serviceable. The duty of thanksgiving (which approaches
nearer to the employment of heaven than any other of our
religious exercises, adoration perhaps excepted) shall oecupy
my thoughts, my pen, and I hope, my heart, for the few
following pages.”’

Here follows an exercise of praise, thanksgiving, and
prayer, chiefly in scripture language, which is extended
through eight closely written pages, and embraces a wide
range of subjects.

The remainder of this diary contains little more than a
brief notice of his studies and of some passing events; and
it is to be regretted that no other journal of this kind, till
near the close of his life, is to be found among his papers.
The most striking feature of this journal is the evidence it
affords of his love and habit of prayer. It contains several
forms of considerable length, besides frequent short peti-
tions, and a number of plans or skeletons of prayer, under
a variety of heads. It would seem, that instead of writing
much about himself, when he sat down to this book, he
passed the time in devout exercises of prayer and praise.
Among the books which he read, are noted the memoirs of
White, Spencer, Martyn, Brainerd, Fuller, and Scougal.

Saturday, September 8, he writes :---“ At the close of
another week, on looking back I see much to be humbled
for; a formality in public and social prayer, which I think
is a temptation of Satan, and that I need to put on the
whole armor of God. I must likewise blame myself for too
much neglecting the holy word, for the deficiency of ejacu-
latory prayer, for want cf diligence and order in busi-
ness.”

He was about this time much taken up with the memoirs
of H. K. White, and under date September 10, 1821,

Sie eet eg NS

~ gs = 6

h approaches
other of our
) shall occupy

for the few

sgiving, and
is extended
races a wide

,more than a
events; and
this kind, till
1¢ his papers.
1¢ evidence it
tains several
t short peti-
prayer, under
ad of writing
his book, he
r and praise.
e memoirs of
nd Scougal.
the close of
be humbled
hich I think
o put on the
nyself for too
ney of ejacu-
der in busi-

the memoirs
r 10, 1821,

NEV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 2h

says, “ Copied in India ink a likeness of KX. White, which
I framed in glass, and hung up on the wall just over my

: table, that my eyes may stir me up to imitate so noble a

pattern.”

“ September 13.--Employed the greater part of the day
in copying off some drawings of Hindoo deities, sent to
the Society of Inquiry concerning Missions, by Gordon
Hall, missionary at Bombay. These paintings I made for
a missionary agent, hoping that in his hands they might
subserve the cause of our Master. Read iu H. Martyn’s
Memoirs. The question recurred to me, and caused a vio-
lent struggle in my mind: ‘ Would I be willing, for Christ’s

_ sake, to leave father, mother, sister, brother, wife, houses,
and lands, and go to a distant country to preach the gos-

_ pel to the heathen ?” This question took fast hold of his
feelings, and was not shunned or dismissed till he had views
of the missionary cause which gained his heart, and ren-
dered him willing to go wherever duty might call.

“ September 14.—Neglected this day setting a watch
over my first thoughts, and endeavoring to make them
humbie and devout; so excellent a preparation for prayer
and aright spirit during the day. Thought much of a
missionary life.”

_ “ October 1.—Spent the forenoon in reading Brainerd

~and Doddridge. These holy books excited a fervor in my

soul which remained all day. In the evening, went to the
woods, and felt strongly drawn forth to God for more holi-

ness, and for blessings on my friends for whom I interced-
ed.”

- He continued in the seminary the usual period of three
4 years, faithfully and zealously pursued the regular routine

a

C

’

mah WEAOUR OW Cre

Mf atidies, exerted Hinmeel! to be used as a Staey Mela!

foacher and iy varios offer wave, and wae eateomed: ane

Volowed by all who lanew him i

Daring this period, Tis orteimal eompositions, aernans

essays, eonnents, and notes, on variona Cheolooiedt and

; practical subjeets, and his eopies of Che prineipal leetires af
the professors iy the seminary, are very abundant, and: tes
ty the veaseloss aetividy of Tis mind.) and) the diliwener

and ardor with whieh he enployed himself Ttia notin

tended to present a partiontar enmmeration of those papers

a Vfow of the subjeets of them, however, are worthy to de
specially notieed
lo oarrly wy Woneo | yyy SS An ‘lysis’ af the sibjeet vf

praver, Whiel he eoped and enlarged from time to dime,
{ ‘

til it was oxtendod to about sixty mantseript pages

This was evidently a favorite abjeet of study and medi

tation with him, We revised it frequently, adding new

topies of veknowledement and petition, new forms of

expression and quotations from Seripture, sometimes in f
poneil and at ethers ino ink, Tn one essay of this kind
there are move than one hundred and fifty heads and di
Visions, many of whieh are written ont at considerable {
loneth, chiefly im Seripture language. ‘Mere are, more oF
over, besides those already mentioned, a number of forme a
of prayer, chiefly for public worship, fully written out,
some of which, he observes, he committed to memory, }

lt may weil be supposed to have been owing in ne ]
small degree, to his having so faithfully studied this sub. 8
jeet and enriched his mind with it, that he excelled so re t

markably as he didin publie prayer. Highly interesting

as his publie manistrations were wont to be, generally, no

portion of thom was more edifying and impressive, or

aay Melia

rateomedd ane

YS SOP TONES
ootooieat ane
wy} loetiared al
ant, ane tes
{lhe Ailiwener
It ia notin
{lode papers

worthy tobe

lhe anhject vf
{ine deo Cine,
seriph pages
Vy andl medi
vding new
ow forms ol
ainetimes in
of this kind
vends and. ali
corsiderable
‘conve, more
her of forma
written out,
nemory.
owing nm ne
ied this sub.
xeelled so re
y interesting
generally, no

pressive, or

a Ras: ae

es

mae na

REY. JOSPPH STINE CARIST MAS ‘7

coined tnore topon the attention oF the hearers, thon hie
prayers, They were charneterized not only by variety,
eopiousnesa, nnd ferveney, hit hy a hoppy mothod and ap
rangement, an approprinteness and ence, m singin felicity
of expression, a dignity, propriety aml reverence omhieh
contd hardly fil to be observed hy everyone, This was evt
dently nh maa aurreoable exererse bo him: and being per
formed with alb the notural ease aod sweetness of bia
yoien midomanner, th owen the attention sil aympathy of
the hearer, and seomed to absteaet hime Prom the orld,
andearry him with the sposker up to the throne of grace

It does not seem to be too much to say that prayer was
the chief, the leading, and most constant subject of his
thoughts and practice, during the latter years of his life
Whether a judgment be formed from his writings, from
1819 down to 1830, or from a personal knowledye of his
sentiments and habits, the same conclusion will be arrived
at. Prayer was his chief, his daily, hourly, constant re
source, THe delighted in it, and derived unspeakable re:
lief, comfort and spiritual aid from it. Amidst his on

sufferings and anxieties from ill-health, and the over

every

side as he drow near the end of his course, prayer waa all

wielming tide of afflictions which beset him on

inall to him, asa means of relief and sapport.

Happily

for him, in seasons of debility and pain, alike preventing

mental and bodily exertion, his mind had been so thorough
ly trained and disciplined to this exercise, and so richly
stored with the examples and inculesations of the Serip
tures,

Besides 1 number of plans and sketches of lectures or

other exercises on this subject, there are among his papers

¥,

several sermons on prayer ; particularly one entitled

UG MERVOIR OF TIER

Chyiatian Tntereession frome Romana, i 8 atother on
the Lends Prayer; another on SO Mamily Prayer fron
Joshi, 24) smother on Hjseulatory Prayer, Nehemioh,
Wd another on the Prayer of Maith’ t doh i

The frst of these is mambered four in the aeries of hia dis
courses, and was written at Prineeton dm E825. On that
aveount partly, and beeanse it advantageously exhibits his
views at that period of the duty of intereeding for others,
the principal part of it ia inserted: ata subsequent page
Mio reader's attention might here be solivited, not only to
the important truths whieh he ineuleates, but to the ease
and propriety of his style, the evidenee furnished at every
stop of his familiar acquaintance with hia subjeet, and the
niany striking and impressive illustrations and turns of
thought with whieh his compositions abound. But it ean
hardly be necessary, even to the most eursory reader, to be
premonished of these things, nor is it apprehended that
any one will require an apology for presenting him with
these quotations,

There is connected with one of his diseourses on a sacra.
niental occasion, (Ist,) an“ Tnvoeation,”” at the commence
ment of the serviee, (2ud,) “ Prayer before Sermon,” in
which, at intervals, the several verses, (exeept the 14th, )
of the Sist Psalin are sueeessively introduced, with some
slight verbal accommodations, (srd,) a“ Conseerating
Prayer, introductory to the ordinanee, (4th,) “ Thanks
giving and Prayer,” at the close of the service,

This may be regarded as a sample of the pains and care
he took in preparing for his publie duties, and especially
for the duty of prayer, which, of all the public exercises of
religion, is often the worst performed, and least regarded,
and. ii may be presumed, is too seldom anticipated by any

*

nother on
raver, fram
“ Nehomioh,
Hohov tl
iva of Iria dis
dtr Odo Want
y oxhibita his
no for others,
woqpienyt prwe
A, not only te
at to the enee
ahod at every
Ijeet, and the
And turna of
1. Dut it ean
y yonder, to be
oheonded that
ino him with

ROS OW & SACTH-
je commence
» Sermon,” in
pt the T4th,)
Wd, with some
Jonseerating
h,) © Thanks
re,
yains and eare
and especially
ie oxereises of
vast regarded,
ipated by any

" RHY. JOSHPH STIANS CHRISTMAS "y

preparatory atudy or reflection Tt wold seen that repon
almost all apecial HOONSTOMA, he woe in the baebit mate nly
of neditating before hand, bat of writing ont bis penzgers,
and this preparing his own mind ta perform the servic
publicly, in the best manner he wes capable of, and taen
yoy the hivhest, antiafaction and Aelight in the exerepae
It was probably owing to this habit, Hat his public pray
era had ao strikingly the charneter of pragersin the closet

that they indicated on his part » sonacionaness only of the
presence of Gods and that they shounded with the sin

plicity, ferveney, and reverence of m filial spirit

Asa futher Wnusteation of this subject, if ison point to

mention the oseasion of his return to his congregation,
after a journey which he took in the spring of 1825, for
the purpose of obtaining peouinary aid towards erecting
their place of worship, On this occasion he wrote a prager
preparatory to his first meeting them for public worship,
of which the annexed extract is a part. After expressions
of adoration and praise to God for the wonders of his love,
as displayed in his works, and in his word, and ordinances
and of invocation of his gracious presence and sid, he pro
ceeds: ‘We bless thee, Father of Mereies, that we are
ayain, asin people, permitted to meet together. We her:
erect ® monument of our gratitude, a pillar of rere
_ brance to thy providential goodness. Thou hast bean with

' thon haat

him who is the mouth of this people in prayer ;
directed his goings; under the covert of thy wings he hae
found refuge ; in various perils during his long joumey
ings, thou hast protected him; in multiplied labors thon
hast upheld him; the brazen-leaved gates of difficulty hast
' thou opened before him; thou hast prospered him ir
) awakening the liberality of the churches beyond our ez

30) MEMOTR OF CTIEB

peetation : and now in peaee and safety he is permitted te
reste his usual duties. We thank thee too that the
lives of those now present have been spared to this time,

that they are still prisoners of hope, and may all yet be-
come partakers of thy grace :—and yet thou hast sent
thine awful messenyer amongst us,—there is one who was
with us when we last assembled, who is now not here,— he
was sttddenly called henee,—he is in the world of spirits,
Kuable us, O Gad, to learn and improve by such lessons
of mortality, Some of us before thee are mourners, —
some have been called upon to part with dear children,—

thou knowest the severity of such a stroke,—elouds and

darkness are round about thee, but righteousness and
judgment are the habitation of thy throne,—thow hast
bruised, and thou eanst bind up,—thou hast wounded,
and thow eanst pour in. the oil of consolation,—thou hast
afflicted, and thou canst sanctify afflictions,—thou hast
taken away tender offspring, but thou canst give a
Saviour—a title to heaven,—thou hast caused a sorrow
ful parting, but thou cans’t give a joyful meeting where
they shall never part. again,—where parents and children
join together in praise to Him, who, having brought them
through much tribulation, made their robes white in the
blood of the Lamb, and conseerated them as kings and
priests unto God.”

‘ There are others whose state of health, or the duties
of life, have called to another place of abode. Be with
them, O Lord, and bless them—be very gracious to them
—and may the good will of him that dwelt in the burning
bush be their portion. We ask not that thou shouldst
take them from the world, but that thou wouldst keep
them from the evil that is in the world,—that thou wouldst

Fe eee

a

a eee

ere
ete

ae

Nl permitted te
too that the
LO this time,
waveall yet be:
ou hast sent
a one who was
not here, — he
orld of spirits,
y such lessons
» mourners, —
wr children, —
o,—clouds and
‘teousness and
ne,—thouw hast
hast wounded,
on,—thou hast
ns,—thow hast
canst give 4
used a sorrow
meeting where
s and children
brought them
s white in the
as kings and

or the dutics
yde. Be with
acious to them
in the burning
thou shouldst
wouldst keep
t thou wouldst

=

+ ;

;
oy
:
a
a ;
spe

red

CHRISTMAS Ol

REV, JOSEPH STDS
preserve them as the apple of thine eye, and keep) then
by the mighty power of God through faith tanto salya
thon.’

‘Wo render thanks to theo the viver of every yood and
perfect gift, for the benevglence of those in’ a distant re
vion who having heard that our little ark dwelt under cur-
tains while they lived in coiled houses, have liberally
imparted of their substance, in commiseration of our necessi
ties, We bless thee for what our cyes have seen,—for in-
stances of the riches of liberality abounding out of the depths
of poverty, which will at the day when the secrets and
inotives of all hearts shall be made manifest, be to the
glory and honor of our benefactors.’

“() Lord Godt we implore thy blessing on this church
Wo trust that it is a vine of thin

Suffer it not to be laid waste—let it

and congregation.
own planting. send
forth its boughs like the cedars cf Lebanon—let it bear
fruit like the grapes of Wschol—let the dews of Hermon
Thou art visiting the earth with show-
ers of reviving grace. Let us not be like the fleece of
Gideon which was dry while all around was watered.
Without thee we can do nothing. Breath of the Lord!
come and breathe on the dry bones: arm of the Lord!
awake! awake! quicken the hearts of thy people—ani-
mate their declining graces—stir them up to persevering

descend upon it.

intercession—may there be among us many wrestling
Jacobs, many prevailing Israels, who will not let thee go
except thou bless them,” &e.

As has been suggested above, to excel in public prayer
is by no means common. flow scldom, indeed, is this
service performed in such a manner as to fix the attention
and impress the mind of the hearer? How often, on the

»

ee en eee

Ss ee ee

32 MEMOIR OF TITE

contrary, do prayers exhibit almost every specics of fault,
in regard to the general spirit and manner, the topies
introduced, the careless, affected, drawling or hurried pro
vuneiation, the frequent repetition and perhaps irreverent
use of the sacred names, the introduction of unusual and
inappropriate words, and of highly figurative language and
allusions, of long and involved periods, of didactie and
controvertial matter, of labored deseription, hyperbole and
metaphor 2? How often, instead of a calm and colleeted
state of mind, do we witness haste, effort and irreverence ,
and instead of what would be appropriate, a surprising
eruderess and flippancy in matter and manner, which
would not be tolerated in a sermon, and would be very ill
thought of in a closet ?

Another subject which, while in Princeton, he appears
to have studied with great care and fidelity, and with
vreat benefit to his own mind, and to his after usefulness,
was the character, vierrious sufferings, and meditorial
reign of our Lord Jesus Christ. This subject interested
him too deeply to be passed without a thorough investiga-
tion, and the attainment of clear, scriptural, and satisfac-
tory views and convictions. His studics and meditations
on it, of which, besides one considerable essay, there are
among the papers of this period a variety of notices,
appear to have prepared him to give this great theme its
die prominence in his subsequent writings and ministra-
tions. There are among his sermons no less than twelve
on different parts of the character and work of Christ.

Passing other leading subjects of inquiry which special-
ly engaged his attention in the course of his theological
studies, it remains to mention one of a different nature,
which deeply interested him before the close of his resi-

ecies of fault,
r, the topics
hurried pro
aps irreverent
unusual and
language and
didactie and
hyperbole and
and colleeted
d irreverence ,
, 2 surprising
anner, which
ld be very ill

yn, he appears
ty, and with
ter usefulness,
nd meditorial
ect interested
iwh investiga-
and satisfae-
d meditations
say, there are
y of notices,
reat theme its
and ministra-
s than twelve
of Christ.
which special-
sis theological
erent nature,
sc of his resi-

“.*
-
-_

REV. JOSEPH 8TIBBS CHRISTMAS,

denee at Princeton; viz., the state of the Protestant charches
in France and the valleys of Piedmonte, the facilities of use-
fulness to them, and his desire if possible to devote himself to
their service. His mind was fully mado up to the labors and
privations of « missionary life, and in his inquiries into
the condition of the several nations of the earth, and the
means of access and usefulness to them, his own reflec:
tions appear to have led him to select the above-mentioned
for the scene of his labors a8 a preacher of the gospel.
One of his letters on this subject, addressed to S. V. 8
Wilder, Ksq., then recently from France, and dated March
21, 1824, very fully exhibits his views and the state of his
feelings.
THkoLocicAL Seminary, Prinogrtron, N. J,,
Murch 21, 1824.

‘“Sir,—A few weeks since I visited the city of New

York, carrying with me a letter of introduction from Dr.

Miller addressed to yourself. Your absence from the city

deprived me of the opportunity of a personal interview
with you. Upon my return to this place I took the liberty
of writing you a letter, presuming that your kindness and
the nature of my inquiries would form a sufficient apoloyy
for the trouble which a stranger was giving you. Not
having heard from you, and supposing that you have not
received my former letter, I shall here repeat the substance
of what it contained.

‘For several months there has been revolving in my
mind a strong desire of devoting myself to the service of
the reformed churches of France. The once flourishing
condition of that formerly most fair portion of the Chris-
tian church, the havoc produced in it by the persecutions
of Lewis XIV., its subsequent declensions, and late hope-

34 MEMOIR OF THE
tul symptoms of recovery, give it an interest in the view
of every Christian who surveys the various nations of the

earth, An especial interest should he take in it, who is

just coming forward to lend his exertions to the extension

of the Redeemer’s kingdom, and who yet, disengaged from

all restraining connexions, should try to consider himself

a citizen of the world, and therefore as much bound to

hear the claims of one country as another. When with

such feelings I further consider the vast importance of
regaining those territories which have been lost since the

reformation, especially a country so rich in population,
resources, and influence, as France; and when the practi-
cability of doing it is rendered more probable by the

rcligious toleration enjoyed there, the present state of
indifference which appears in the Roman Catholic commu-
nion, and the increasing willingness to hear gospel truth
which is found among the Protestant population. All
these facts make me unwilling to dismiss the thoughts of
France for the, in some respects, more pleasing prospects
of staying at home. But I should be unfit to stay at home
if, enchained by its ties, I was appalled at, and retreated
from the hardships I might expect abroad. In attempting to
obtain the information necessary to come toa proper decision
on the course to be pursued, I have met with much embar-
rassment. Intelligence respecting the religious condition of
France, the access which a foreigner might obtain to the atten-
tion of the people, in short, every thing I would wish to know
I have found very scarce. Juately I have seen a number
of the publications of the Continental Society ; extracts of
correspondence and reports down to 1822. ‘The result of
the whole is an increased desire to proceed in the under-
taking. But how shall I be introduced into the country

‘tin the view
ations of the
in it, who is
the extension
engaged from
isider himself
uch bound to
When with
importanee of
lost since the
in population,
en the practi-
ybable by the
sent state of
itholic commu-
r gospel truth
ulation. All
1¢ thoughts of
sing prospects
0 stay at home
and retreated
attempting to
proper decision
1 much embar-
$ condition of
nin to the atten-
wish to know
en a number
y; extracts of
The result of
in the under-
o the country

REV, JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. ar)
aud supported there? The Continental Society employs
none but native preachers. The sums already expended
on my education, and the equal claims of a large family,
leave me nothing to expect, at least at present, from my
father. Would you advise me to attempt in New-York or
Philadelphia, where I am best known, a private association
of wealthy and spirited individuals, who would agree to
support one or two agents, or does our distance from France
render impracticable the organization of a society like the
Continental? Your advice in the whole business will of
course depend upon some knowledge of the individual ad-
vised. Permit me then to say a few things concerning
inyself’: circumstances will I hope excuse the apparent
want of delicacy in doing so. My parents reside in the
state of Ohio, I have completed the course of collegiate
study, have been a member of the Theological Seminary
in this place for nearly three years, and expect to be licensed
by the presbytery of Philadelphia in a few weeks. Ihave
not yet finished my twenty-first year. My youth, though
disadvantageous in some respects, will enable me more
easily to transform myself into a Frenchman in manners
and speech. The most discouraging item is yet to come.
I have very little knowledge of the French language. But
having a somewhat good memory, I expect no insuperable
difficulty on this score, provided my organs of speech are
sufficiently flexible to adjust themselves to all the niceties
of French pronunciation. If it were possible to get the
charge of an English church in some part of France for
two or three years, I might in the interim be acquiring the
language, and whatever else I should find necessary ; and
at the end of this time, I should expect to dissolve all local
engagements and pastoral connexions, and going forth as

36 MEMOIR OF THE

an itinerant, to sow the seed of the gospel by the wayside,
or within inclosures, wherever there was soil to receive it;
visiting the languishing and destitute churches; seeking
out the remnants of Huguenot Societies, which I dare say
are still existing in many parts of the country, especially
the mountainous districts of the south-east. Circumstances
might determine me to use the subsidiary means of distri-
buting tracts, forming associations, translating or composing
religious books, &c. An undertaking of this kind, I deli-
berately expect will involve much self-denial and hardship ;
but in this way I should delight to spend my life. As yet
I have taken no step and made no arrangements for such
a mission. I venture to lay open my feelings and solicit
the advice of one whose knowledge of that country and its |
religious concerns, best enables him to give advice, and }
whose attachment to a cause all Christians love, will I doubt
not, dispose him do it. Among other inquiries, had I
better be ordained in this country, or going merely asa

licentiate, enter the ministry there, and thus secure the

confide: .. and interest of the native pastors ? Do the laws

~ require all candidates for the ministry to go to the seminary

at Montaubon ? Will it be necessary to be naturalized ?

These queries, with whatever else you may think impor-

tant, will you be so good as to answer? It is not impro-

bable that immediately after my licensure (which will take

place about the 20th of April,) I shall visit New England,

and then I hope to have the gratification of seving you face

to face. I must not forget to mention that a classmate of

mine, Mr. Benedict, a young man of piety, fortitude and

decision, of good talents and popular eloquence, has recent-

ly been very seriously thinking of associating himself with

me, in my projected undertaking. About the first of June

- setts

ees
nae
Po St

es x

the wayside,
0 receive it;
hes; sceking
wh I dare say
ry, especially
‘ircumstances
ans of distri-
or composing
kind, I deli-
and hardship ;
life. As yet
ents for such
vs and solicit
untry and its
e advice, and
e, will I doubt
uiries, had I
g merely as a
us secure the
? Do the laws
) the seminary
naturalized ?
think impor-
is not impro-
hich will take
New England,
eving you face
nh classmate of
fortitude and
e, has recent-
himself with
e first of June

% wish to have my mind decided on this subject.
ter and advice I expect will have the principal weight in

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 37

I design to return to Ohio to visit my friends, from whom
I have been these three years absent. Before that time I
Your let-

that decision. Though personally a stranger to you, yet

allow me to subscribe myself yours in Christian affection,

JoserpH StTispBs CHRISTMAS,”

‘l'o the above letter, it would be almost inexcusable not
to add the following brief sketch of the state of religion in
France, and the principal events respecting the Christian
profession, from the reformation down to a recent period,
in connection with the facilities and encouragements for

such a missionary enterprise in that country, as he had in

view.

f

It was written by him a few weeks before the letter,
and was designed for a periodical publication.
These papers show the cast of the author’s mind, and

the character of his piety. The reader will perceive that
his zeal, though adequate to any undertaking of Christian

labor and self-denial, travelled no faster than his know-
ledge ; that he took all due pains to acquire the information
requisite to satisfy his judgment and conscience; and that
he did not communicate his project to others for their co-
operation, till he had carefully surveyed the ground, and
availed himself of every means of light within his reach. It
“will appear afterwards how, in the absence of any near pros-

: pect of being enabled to fulfill this favorite plan, he yielded

to what appeared a very clear intimation of the will of Pro-
vidence, and went another way. His views and feelings,
however, raised an interest in the welfare of the Protestant
_ churches of France, which has been increased, especially

. by the events of the last year, and which, it is hoped, will

soon lead to something like a fulfillment of his design,

38 MEMOIR OF THE

‘Tt is to be regretted that, in the uncxampled diffusion
of religious intelligence which has taken place within a few
years, so little is said concerning some of the most impor-
tant portions of the world. What we receive from Europe
is so purely English, that we never obtain more than a
sidelong glance of the continent. This is easily accounted
for, when we remember the hostile attitude in which the
| British government has until recently stood with respect
; to the neighboring kingdoms. The noise of warfare and
| battles having ceased, we begin to hear the milder accents
of Christian solicitude, and witness the nobler featsof Chris-
tian exertion. It is my intention in this paper to make a
few remarks on the present condition of France. And
surely, in whatever point of light it is viewed, we could not
be summoned to a more worthy theme for contemplation.
Melancholy as the survey is, it was not alwaysso. For a
hundred years after the reformation, France was the gar-
den-spot of the church, the fairest portion of Protestant
christendom. The influence of the Queen of Navarre, and
the apostolical labors of Calvin, Beza, Farrel, Viret, and
others, early obtained for the reformed doctrines a most ex-
tensive diffusion in that kingdom. The churches had each
a plurality of pastors, were Calvinistic in their doctrines,
and Presbyterian in their form of government. The innu-
merable vexations to which they were exposed from Popish
intolerance, were removed about the close of the sixteenth
| century, by the famous edict of Nantz, issued by Henry IV.

The days which followed were too prosperous for the wel-
fare of the Huguenots themselves, (for so the French Chris-
tians were termed) and for the tranquil observation of their
Popish countrymen. The siege of Rochelle, in 1628, was
the first signal for the violation of solemn treaty ; the mas-

PRE ie pee Res +
re FS a

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 3g

sacre, on St. Bartholemew’s day, in 1671, was the next in-
| stance of sanguinary discipline inflicted by the holy mother ,

pled diffusion G
~~ but the last scene of the tragedy was reserved for the revo-

within a few
2 most impor-

rs

ey.

from Europe
more than a
sily accounted
in which the
| with respect
f warfare and
milder accents
-featsof Chris-
yper to make a
France. And
1, we could not
contemplation.
aysso. Fora
-¢ was the gar-
1 of Protestant
f Navarre, and
rel, Viret, and
‘ines a most ex-
rches had each
heir doctrines,
mnt. The innu-
ed from Popish
f the sixteenth
L by Henry IV.
bus for the wel-
French Chris-
rvation of their
, in 1628, was
eaty ; the mas-

~ cation of the edict, in 1685.

* dwellings.

This violation of every bond,
human and divine, of every obligation of clemency and
justice, was effected at the instigation of Richctieu, prime
minister of Louis XIV. The day after this nefarious
breach of public faith, an order was issued, requiring all
who would not embrace the Romish communion to depart
the kingdom instantly. Multitudes, to the amount of
about eight hundred thousand, gathering up what frag-
ments of their wealth they could, fled from their country,
and carried the arts, morals, and choicest, population of
France, into Switzerland, Germany, Holland, England,
and North America, in which countries they found an

asylum from oppression. The Papists were not yet satisfied.

The last order was immediately followed by another, for-
bidding them to quit the country. Many of the refugees
were arrested in the highways and seaports. Regiments
of soldiers were quartered in their houses, to dragoon
them into the faith. Their churches were shut, their pas-
tors murdered, their females violated, and their houses
burned. Many were the families who took refuge in the
fastnesses of the mountains; but many more were they
Whose bones lay burnt under the smoking ruins of their
This is no exaggeration, unless the ingenious
cruelty of demons can be exaggerated. The report of
these transactions, which should have melted the heart of
barbarism itself, was received at Rome with the most pub-
lic demonstrations of joy and thanksgiving. After such

- thorough work, where are we to look for the Protestant
church of France? A remnant of oppressd people stil]

40 MEMOIR OF THE

remained after the fury of the persecution was over. They
could say. as they met in their place of worship, ‘ Here
Abaddie once taught ’’— So many years ago Claude, or
Daille, or Pictet, or Saurin, preached here.” But alas

those prophets were gone! and the residue of their spirit
rested not on their followers. The stupor of the shock
they had received continued for more than a century. Infi-
delity -had, with an unseen hand, taken away the key-
stone which upheld the arch of empire. The storm of the
French revolution came. Its violence alike laid prostrate
the magnificent Romish cathedral and the humbler edifice
of the Protestant church. That troublous season passed
by ; and Bonaparte, with a liberality which reflects honor
on his political sagacity, granted the fullest toleration to
all parties. But the unceasing warlike operations of his
reign generated a military spirit, which exterminated every
other passion. The only education among the youth was

military ; aad war, as a matter of course, became the pro-

fession of every young man. The tactics of this world
displaced all relish for the discipline necessary for the next:
Upon the restoration of the Bourbon family, all attention
to rciigion had so disappeared, even among the Roman
Catholics, that it was judged expedient to send forth a
host of missionaries who should beat up recruits to the
standard of the Pope. But among the majority of the
people, the priest was despised, as the wretch of hypocrisy,
and the missionary as the agent of imposture. After all
that had been done, it is no unusual thing to enter a
splendid chapel, and find not more than a score of persons
attending mass.

“The reformed have legal toleration under the Bourbon
dynasty, but it is accompanied with many unjust restric-

s over. They
rsbip, ‘‘ Here
co Claude, or
” But alas
of their spirit
of the shock
century. Infi-
way the key-
1c storm of the
y laid prostrate
i1umbler edifice
; season passed
1 reflects honor
st toleration to
erations of his
“rminated every
the youth was
became the pro-
of this world
ry for the next:
ly, all attention
ng the Roman
o send fortha
recruits to the
aajority of the
h of hypocrisy,
ure. After all
ing to enter 2
core of persons

er the Bourbon
unjust restric:

estimation of their religious character.

REV. JOSEPH sTIBBS CHRISTMAS, 4]

“tions. No foreigner, for instance, can become a pastor in
a their churches, and none of their preachers are allowed to
~ address more than nineteen persons, unless it is in a church
or a licensed house.

It is but a few years since many of
the Protestants were massacred at Nismes. Of a popula-
tion of about thirty millions, two or three millions may be
ranked among Protestants, who form five hundred and
geventy congregations. Let a few facts guide us in an
The Lord’s day,
the strict observance of which forms such an unfailing
criterion of Christian feeling, is in scarce any part of
France, or even the whole continent of Europe, kept with
what we should term decent respect. Twenty theatres,
every Sabbath eveniag, throw open their doors to receive
‘the giddy population of Paris, who are accounted very
religious if they have attended a single service in the fore-
noon. In this Maelstrom of dissipation may the Protes-
tant as well as the Romanist be seen circling. A few years
Bince a couple of clergymen quarreled: a "ohellenge was
passed, and accepted: they met and fought: neither was
killed ; and each continued to carry

‘Weekly to church his book of wicked prayers,’

‘without giving any offence to the public sense of decorum.
‘These facts sufficiently indicate a laxity of morals, while
“the appearances of a corruption of doctrine are still more
“alarming. The creeping pestilence, which is rightly termed
neology, has been moving among the clergy; and, like
the simoom of the desert, wherever breathed, instant putre-
faction takes place dhecudh the whole system. By this

"is meant a cold, heartless, God- -denying heterodeny, which

is nothing better than ‘ baptized infidelity.’

Its chief seat

te tay

4v MEMOIR OF THR

ain the German universities, and from them fia pradn
ally extending its influence, and many there are in Switzer
land and Franee whe have drunk in the poison nt those
fountains, Uf these things be so, the Calliean churehes
unist be in a deplorable condition. ‘The little leaven whieh
should have leavened the mighty mags, may be supposed te
have nearly lost ite fermenting qualities, We would not,
however, say lke the prophet lah, ready to die under the
juniper tree, that God has not a remnané left among that
poople. An animating process of renovation is at work,
Some of the agents employed, and the pleasing indieatione
of suveess shall be mentioned,

* Among these may be ranked, ag one of the first, the
Bible Society of Paris, with its forty or fifty auxiliaries,
ostablished in the most important cities, Tt wag ascertained
that for more than twenty years not a single edition of the
scriptures had been published in Franee previous to an im
pression printed by the British and Foreign Bible Society,
Rible societies are now warmly patronised ; and when the
agent from the Paris soviety proceeded to Lyons to esta
blish another there, the erowd was so immense that it was
found necessary to address them in the open air. Roman
Catholies had objected to the diffusion of the seriptures in
the vernacular tongue, that they were not translated from
the authorized Vulgate. Versions from the Latin have ae:
cordingly been made by Professor Van Kiss in Germany,
and the Baron de Saey in France; men who are themselves
Papists in profession.

* The missionary society instituted in the French metro:
polis employs an American, Rev, Jonas King, in Palestine;
and, like all other missionary institutions, has re-acted
most beneficially on the churches at home. A more

TON
rare in Bwitner
poison nt those
Mier churches
le lenven whier
y he apposed {Wy
We world not,
to die under the
Jet among that
Hien ja at work,
aging indioations

of the firat, the
fifty nuxiliaries,
t waa navertained
ole edition of tlhe
revious to an im
val) Bible Society,
ds and when the
o Lyons to esta
yense that it was
pen air, Roman
the seriptures in
t translated from
the Latin have ac:
Kiss in Germany,
ho are themselves

he French metro:
ing, in Palestine;
ons, has re-acted

home. <A mote

é hey

Ale earth,
generally obaerved ine the southern districts,

JOSEPH STIBRS CHRIBT MAS,

general attention to the things whieh God is doing through
igexoited, and the monthly consert of prager ia
Very gerent,
exertions lave been made to introduce the Lanenasterian
method of terching, and sehools for mutual instruction, a4
they are enlled, are now very numerous

But it ia chiefly by the preaching of the gospel that God
Ghooses to accomplish every yroat moral revolution, and the

pulpit

‘Must stand acknowledged, while the world shall stand
The most important and effectual guard,
Support, and ornament of virtiue’a enuge’

A amall number of zealous and able ministers of the gospel
Gre £ foond in a few of the most important posts in the coun
by. M. Martin, of Bordeaux, M. Lessignol, of Montpellier,

‘@nd MM. Mallan, of Geneva, are not unknown to the Chris-
than public.
bosom of the Roman Catholic church, each of whom well
deserves the tittle of Leuconomasredivinus.

In Germany, two mon have arisen in the

Lindell, by his
bold and faithful preaching of the gospel, drew upon him-
solf the odium of the Popish ecclesiastics, who were about
to slut him up in a monastery for life. But receiving
an invitation from the Prince Galitzin to go to St. Peters-
burgh, they dared not detain him. He has since renounced
all connection with the Roraish church,

~The other luminary of the German church is Gossner.
The unbounded popularity of this man of God attracts
Vast crowds wherever he preaches. He has been known
to address from twenty-five to thirty thousand persons
in the open fields. His useful zeal was not long in drawing
‘dowa persecution upon his head. He was thrown into

14 DAD ERR AL MOD ee Be

prison, and pomtined far abe nonttya, when te wae relenaed
at the solivitation af the Haaperor Alosandor, who tind lim
tranaported to the Rivsatan eapital Me ds prenehing Chern
mew, With aareat Dlessina mpon Ufa Tabor Ti (he ne
thom eivetes of Chormany theme laa heen mn eery eenera!
rolinions exeitenrent of lates and evel ds the progrega ot
entiohtened views, that ft fs supposed that the whole ot
that portion of eontial Murope is nearly ready to Chrow off
he woke of the Popo. Tn Bwitaerland, too, the labora offs
Uatholie priest, named Boos, have been mueh blessed A
work whieh he published, on justifiention Dy (ith, contains
dhose very views of this doetrine whieh Tuather eonstdered
the foundations of the Chureh
“Rut to return. The benevetont enterprise of Rbitish
Christians instituted, in the vear TRE, the Continental
Sooiety, Whose object was to spread the lanowledge of th
oospel in Pranee, by assisting loeal preachers of an evan
golieal stamp, and employing agents, who should travers
the eonntry in all ditections, carrying with them the ever
lasting gospel. — From twelve to twenty of these laborion:
iiinerants have been in this manner constantly employed. Ty
many instanees, they have been reeeived with open arma hy
the settled pastors, to wham they have been useful in direc!
ing to clearer views of the truth, and encouraging then in
their evangeliealdiligenee. Many a destitute and aeattered
flock of Jesus Christ has by them Reard the votee of thi
Great Shepherd. and many and signal have been the ins
tanees of conversion under their ministrations, Tf om
momory fails me not, it was by the preaching of one oi
these evangelists that a very extensive revival took plac:

in one of the cantons of Switzerland, in: which seventeen

ministers were brought to the experimental knowledge o!

lhe wre yrelonaed
iY, whe Vvevel Winn
poverty dings (Nyen
vet Vay Hyer teen
Von very ATO
(le pragress iif
vt the whole of
addy to (row off
othe \Inlora ofa
wel blesaed \
Ly (ith, eandivine

ather eonatdered

oyprise ot Baeitish

(he Continental
knowledge off thy
velrers of a evan
wy should traverse
Hy thew the ever
MW these laborious
itly employed, I)
vith open arms hy
on usefal in direct
sonraging them i

tute and aeattered

the voiee of th
vave been the ime
at rations,
saching of one
revival took plac
h whieh seventeer
butal knowledge o!

fom

b REV. (OGRE erm CHMtn Ad ie

.
the froth, To the walleye af Piedmont, qo anered to every
a plone recollection, they have visited the primitive Walden
Ree, n people who mre now nbouwt eighteen thong in
dtmber. and who would bail the neaiatanes of yospel labor

Bre with tranepert, They have heard of a congregation of
four hundred ehepherdaon the Mrench side of the Pyrenees,
Who tiave tad of the
Glivt of Nantz, but who still meet together every sabbath

no minister sinee the revoontion
to rend the eoriphures and pray,

Connectod with the Continental Society, is a singular and
Hkefil elnes of men, the Colportenra. These are pious
Youny men, who travel through the villages with packages
Of Bibles, tracts, and pious books. They visit from honse

to house, inquiring for those who are destitute of the word
of life; have much religions conversation with the inhabi |
thats, and frequently drop a short exhortation to the little
Bowpanies that cluster around their package of Bibles.

They usually call on the Romish carates, and have found

tiuny of them who had never seen an New Testament,

bef re |

Ohased with eagerness,

a book whieh they have in many instances pur

From the preceding statements, it is evident that this
great nation,’

as they have styled themselves, are in an
fAteresting and hopeful condition. Never since the refor-
a have the ficlds appeared whiter for the harvest.
What a triumph to the Church would it be, if France should

be Christianized !

Which from its location, resources, or influence, could be

There is not a country on the globe

More instrumental in the universal propagation of the goa-
pel. Frenchmen have in our associations become so much
eonnectod with warfare and bloodshed, that we have almost
Forgotten that they are immortal beings, and as susceptible

46 MEMOIR OF TITE

of a religious influence as any other people. In our en-
deavors to extend the gospel through the world, it becomes
us not to overlook a nation who are highly civilized, who
have their language fixed, and the Bible translated, who
are acecssible, and many of them desirous to be taught,
and who, once evangelized themselves, possess the means of
extending the blessing far and wide. An American would
in that country find a much more direct way to the hearts
of the people than an Englishman. ‘Y | chen, docs not

v7

the American Church send her messengers of salvation to
them? Why have we no such institution as the Conti-
uental Society of London? The maintenance of mission.
aries in that country would be as cheap as in any part of
the world. We trust there are young men who are willing
to go upon so noble an enterprise; who, ready to spend
their lives in the propagation of the gospel, would desire no
easier employment than to go forth and scatter the seed of
truth wherever there was soil to receive it. That singular
interest which the truth, faithfully declared, has, where it
has been for a long while unheard and unknown, might be
expected; and a generation of Frenchmen, it might be
hoped, would rise up to bless the men who had sought the
things which are Jesus Christ’s, while so many seek the
things which are their own. France, which has been ferti-
lized more than any other country by the blood of martyrs,
and signalized more than any other by the awful displays
of human depravity and the trumphs of irreligion—F rance,
we trust, is in a more remarkable manner than any other
country to experience the energies of Divine Graec.

J. 8. 0.”

“ Princeton, April 7, 1824.”

le. In our en-
orld, it becomes
ly civilized, who

translated, who
is to be taught,
sess the means ot
American would
vay to the hearts
,, then, docs not
rs of salvation to
on as the Conti-
nance of mission:
as in any part of
n who are willing
, ready to spend
], would desire no
catter the seed of
t. That singular
red, has, where it
known, might be
nen, it might be
ho had sought the
so many seek the
ich has been ferti-
blood of martyrs,
he awful displays
religion—France,
er than any other
ine Graec.

J, 8. C2"

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 47

rF Mr. Christmas left the Theological Seminary in April,
1824, and proceeded to Philadelphia, to attend a meeting
of the Presbytery, by which he was licensed to preach the

Gospel. He read to that body a narrative of his religious
experience, in which, alluding to the period of his conver-
gion, he says: ‘ Painting, which I had hitherto been much
engaged at, and which, with an enthusiastical attachment,
I had resolved on as a profession, now lost its charms; [
deplored what I considered an idolatrous love of a fine art.
Such an alienation of affection from my old pursuits took
place, as a few months before I had considered impossible.

’ The gospel ministry, which had formerly been a subject of

aversion, I now began to think would be a most delightful
employment.”

He had scarcely received his license, when a messenger
from the new Presbyterian Church in Montreal arrived in
Philadelphia, with a view to obtain him for their pastor.
“T was,” he writes, ‘‘ at this time exceedingly desirous of
going on a mission among the scattered and destitute Pro-

testant churches of France. When I received the proposal
of this messenger, I was much averse to it, and persuaded
him to return to New-York and seek another candidate,
which he did. Ina few days I received a letter, saying he
was waiting there for me; and shortly after he came again
himself to take me. I was reluctant and hesitating; but
having prayed, and received the unanimous counsel of my
friends and ministerial brethren, I went with him, and on
the fifth of May reached Montreal.” At the end of three
weeks the congregation gave him an unanimous call; and
having become a member of the presbytery of New York, he
_was ordained by a committee of that body on the first of
August, 1824. He now entered on a field of exertion, in

Ah NN Aa ne

{\ WRU OP TH

Whiel there wae very nel de les wily eemet heidi ned
natiavally yobwet, and whieh, fé fe proammed, wae already in
eve deauree Wy paid od ton elite the tren
MW owhieh We wae net able to endive He. however,
porsovervd with the epinit and Corditide of ao nantye fi
(ony vears, and until Wie phyasietan warned hin fare
Move, OY OXpeet a speedy tommination of hia Hf Me early
hoeame attached to his peaple, and deeply eoneerned toy
theiy spieitual welfare, and for Cheiy avke atviaoted hromeh
coveral perinds of severe ilnese, when every earthly eonaid
eration moved hin to withdraw. Wventea showed that he
Had a great work fo de there sand by tomporary absenee,
tyavel, and vest, his exhausted streonath was regained, and
his wonted vignr repeatedly restored,

In dane, T8249. he marvied Miss Louisa Jones, danolter
OM My, Dever Jones. of the eity of New Vork > whe, by her
piety, Intelligenee, and wisdom, her meek and afetionate
spint, and the diavity and amiableness of her manners,
was singularly well suited to him, and to the station she
was ealled to occupy

Vis ministerial and pastoral labors were earinently bene
Reial to his people, throughout the whole period of his resi
dence with them, and especially in the early part of L824,
his church was greatly blessed and enlarged, by a powerful
work of the Holy Spirit. About one hundred of those who ap
poaread to be savingly benefitted, were added to that ehureh
Ofvarious others belonging to diferent places and religious
connections, five or six were inhabitants of St. Andrew's,
a town about forty-five miles west from Montreal, to which
place he made a visit of four or five weeks early in the av
tumn when a similar work of grace commenced, and was pro
Mmoted by his instrumentality, and about thirty persons were

Cvad Cred tern pet
, wre Mlyonly i)
Othe ea trenies

He. Nowever,
Mon aaetye for
Wed Wi fa ve
Hite | We enh
y voneernod Foy
iter led throw
y earthly eonaid
eahowed that he
Nporary Abseneo,
vg reynined, and

Jones, danglter
ky whe, by her
and affoetionate
of her manners,
) the station she

eminently bene
Heriod of his resi
rly part of L824
d, by a powerful
Lof those who ap
A to that chareh
cos and religious
sf St. Andrew's,
mitreal, to which

early in the an
ped, and was pro
irty persons were

ne

“added fo the (Dareh,

renewed religiona attention appeared in hig own eonpredn

JOS RPT ATES

CHMIGT MAS AY

Noor the eloge of the eame year, a

TF tion, ond about twenty were recognized ag hopeful converts

The following brief review of hia prineipal labora while

pastor of that elhireh, and ofsome of their resulta, waa drawy

up by hin shortly after his removal thence

TT have reason to bleaa God for the arent good, direct

Bnd indireet, whieh he has made me the means of doing

I hope Eaay number considerably above an hundred souls

Gonverted through my instramentality,

I have improved

Piy sequaintanee, both with the (ireek nod Slebrew lan

Burges, and have heen growing in the knowledge of the

Boelish Bible.

Atructed onmany points of Christian dootrine ;

My mind has been enlightened and in-

partionlarly

depravity, the will, natural and moral inability, and. the

Among other labors [ delivered

Chature of the prayers of the impenitent.”

several unwritten Jee

tures on ecclesiastical history, in the Methodist chapel.

ae

apostles ereed,

¢

tiries

2. A series of Wednesday evening lectures on the

3. Constructed a biographical chart for nineteen cen-

‘4, Wrote the report of the Bible Society for the year

peding 1826,
3 . Wrote the tract on repentance, No. 183 of the series

(Published.)

of i‘. American Tract Society, which God has already
blessed to four individuals that I have heard of.”
“6. Wrote an essay on the institution and perpetuity of

the Christian Sabbath, of seventy MS. pages,
Submitted for a premium, with, I believe, nearly fifty others,
to the committee of the Albany Presbytery.”

Conducted a controversial discussion with a Catho-

which was

no MEMOIR OF TIE

lie priest and a Catholio layman, ina publie print. Phe
several pieces were afterwards republished in a pamphlet
of sixty-four pages,”

8, Wrote and published an ‘Appeal to the Inhabitants
of Lower Canada on the disuse of Ardent Spirits :’ after
the formation of the ‘Temperance Society.”

“9, Wrote and published a discourse on the nature of
that inability which prevents the sinner from embracing
the gospel, 44 pp. Sve.”

Suceceding the above is a list of the principal books he
had read during the same period, and a general view of his
entire studies in every department of literature and science,
which he calls an estimate of his knowledge and ignoranee,
together with his plan for future acquisitions.

The tract before mentioned on repentance was written
in April, 1826. He says of it in one of his memoranda
of that period, “Tf this tract is published I shall consider
it the most useful labor of my life.” The following notice
of it was communieated in the summer of 1828, at a con-
ference of churches in Connecticut, by a delegate, ‘In a
town not far from New-Haven, in April last, (1828,) a
pious father, passing the street, observed a paper partly
covered with dust, which proved to be the tract No. 183 on
repentance. He earried it home and read it to his family.
The next morning his daughter read it, retired to her
room, and formed a solemn resolution not to rest without
that repentance which it recommends. [ler anxiety and
distress increased to such a degree, that her friends and
neighbors were alarmed, and were greatly affected by the
evidence they saw in her case of the operations of the
Spirit of God. It was not long before she appeared truly —

lic print, Phe
ina pamphlet

the Inhabitants
t Spirits’ after
n the nature of
from. embracing

incipal books he
neral view of his
ture and science,
e and ignorance,

WIS,

nee was written
his memoranda
IT shall consider
» following notice
1828, at a con-
lelegate. ‘Ina
last, (1828,) a
1 a paper partly
tract No. 183 on
it to his family.
t, retired to her
t to rest without
Her anxiety and
her friends and
affected by the
yperations of the

1e appeared truly —

i

REV. JOSEPIE STIBBS CHMISTMAS, HI
penitent and reconciled to God, Her brother and another
7 young man were deeply affected by the scene, were con-
~ victed of their sins, and soon hopefully converted ; and

at the time when this narration was given two others

of her friends were inquiring with earnestness ‘what they

must do to be saved.’ This tract is recommended to the

reader for his own benefit and for circulation, It exhibits

the nature of repentance in a clear and concise manner ;
‘and presents the most affecting considerations to induce an
immediate performance of the duty.

Ilis essay on the institution and perpetuity of the Chris-
tian Sabbath ,does not appear to have gained the award of the
committee to whom it was communicated, nor to have been
‘returned, owing doubtless, to the want of directions to
“that effect. This was a subject of the most lively interest
_ tohim. He esteemed the Sabbath a delight, the holy of
the Lord, honorable; and he was tenderly conscientious to
' honor the Lord during its sacred hours, not doing his own
Ways, nor finding his own pleasure. ‘There are many notices
to this effect scattered up and down among his papers;
‘and it was the subject of a number of his sermons and H
‘other pulpit exercises. In two discourses, in particular,
on the fourth commandment, written in 1826, he illustrat-
‘ed the following positions :—
_ I. That the Sabbath is of divine authority and perpetual
obligation ; which occupies the whole of the first discourse.
II. The manner in which it is to be kept.
1 That we are required to prepare beforehand for its
‘sanctification.
_ 2. It is to be sanctified by avoiding idleness, recreations
and business, and devoutly attending upon its appropriate

52 MEMOIR OF THE
religious duties. He shows how it may be profaned by idle-
ness, amusement and business; and points out the principal
duties and services to be attended to.

His .-ontroversial discussion was begun in a public print
by a Catholic priest, who was excited thereto by a published
account of the recent revival of religion. In his replies to
the priest and his helpers, he made aspirited attack on the
errors of Popery, which soon put a period to the contro-
versy.

His appeal to the inhabitants of Lower Canada, on the
subject of temperance, was published in June, 1828, in an
octavo pamphlet, with the constitution of the Montreal So-
ciety for the promotion of Temperance; and was widely
circulated. He exhibits in vivid colors the ruinous effects
of intemperance ; shows that the moderate consumption of
intoxicating liquors is dangerous and of no benefit; and
finally, that it isthe bounden duty of every person entirely
to relinquish and abstain from such liquors, unless requir-
ed as medicine. The writing of this appeal was one of the
last services which he performed in that country; and it
has doubtless been extensively useful. In a review of it in
the Christian Spectator for October of the same year, the
writer says, ‘It is brief, pointed, and clear; goes the
whole length of utter banishment, and exhibits the most
compendious view we have met with, of the great doctrines
of temperance which are gaining such prodigious currency.”

His discourse on the nature of that inability which pre-
vents the sinner from embracing the gospel, contains a clear
and satisfactory elucidation of that very important, and to
many minds difficult subject, and inculcates with singular
force the practical lessons which his doctrine naturally
suggests. He preached the substance of' this discourse in

rofaned by idle-
ut the principal

1 a public print
) by a published
n_ his replies to
d attack on the
to the contro-

Canada, on the
ine, 1828, in an
he Montreal So-
und was widely
¢ ruinous effects
consumption of
o benefit; and
person entirely
s, unless requir-
l was one of the
ountry; and it
a review of it in
same year, the
lear; goes the
hibits the most
great doctrincs
ous currency.”
lity which pre-
ontains a clear
portant, and to

5 with singular
rine naturally
his discourse in

published it by request of his congregation.
" pronounced by competent judges to be the ablest, most

VEV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS, 53
two sermons in December, 1827, and immediately after
It has been

comprehensive, and best written discussion of this subject
which has ever issued from the press; and it is therefore
inserted in this volume.

It may be suitable to mention here as belonging to this
period, another tract communicated by him, and published
by thc American Tract Society, being No. 252, entitled
“Mary La Fleur.” It is a brief narrative of the conver-

- gion of her whose name it bears, at the period of the revival

ready to give a reason of the hope that was in her; which

of religion in his congregation. She had been educated in
‘the Romish system of her fathers, and no one could have
had a firmer confidence in it. ‘ But,” says the writer,
“the change in her was not too great for Him who made
her to accomplish. He did it by imparting a keener per-
ception of moral relations, and a quickened sensibility to
moral truth. Thus it is that the influence of the Holy
Spirit counteracts the delusion of sin, prepares the heart to
receive the knowledge of Christ, and becomes an effectual
corrective of the manifold forms of destructive error. No
sinner thus enlightened can fail of seeing his own vileness,
his exposure to endless misery, his inability to satisfy the
justice of God, the free redemption through the cross of
‘Christ, and the necessity of personal holiness in order to
eternal salvation.” When the subject of this narrative was
taken by her Popish friends to the priest and required to
confess what they deemed her soul-destroying heresy, she said
to the confessor “ that she thought it needless to recount her
sins to him, as she had already confessed them to Jesus
Christ ; and believed herself forgiven; but that she was

i\4 AVWADVTE CYR DT

We dd nivel to the aiiaeeniené of the rtoat abe lad neces
Weard oavely Viewe apd Coolie ee procaeel TT Wee BYR TD Pe
ayy Wha Ted) Mitral ently ti the aire al pao
With same Cint hape ot seat reowttino Wha beatles pave
Ando Wiel Witle Woweotltted hy nye he eallettod iA] he
eolaton of Tie pastoral veloute. te awwldel) tht elimpely nnd

Oonvoroma tian Were eanetratied: fa cen es nal Ube erate

Hon WAT} Chom Was diesalved: at a aeeting ot thee gates
fervor Uorabey Ve hy porto, Urtahes 1. We wrote: (he
ollow ann dreriorarndaay Oy ee ve TD eonenen: ting
TOMO WN roadtenen oy New \ vk elty, fy vel nl mye wrt
Med wre foe May with and aia fy ebdldben ateh
miveel? are media with ow Tyler and mother, Mes nina
Mire Jones. te whoee kindieecs weenne fideltod (ar a tame
during this season of my hrability to aise lange iy pearl
duties \tter earrving the frst proeteaheet of my o Mave
Well Tretter te the printer TP oentered €he meeting of the
proshy tery am dhe fourth day of tts sesstan, Up ay ap
plieatwn By Tetrrer, previensivy forwarded: (home Vanvtarn
the pastoral velavion subesrsting between me aid ay peaple
ea Canada has been fFopmiallv dissolved. And thie da ams
Dark at onee ent loose fron the place where fe tae been

Proedwed. ayordst shops and vals. For dione Chan lowe wears

Ln the lector Thom the ehurwh ¢o the proshytery, eoneur

me MN his wag ost to be roldased ther SA\ _ My this ae
pavating fram our beloved pastor, while we are obliged to

submit to the paintal disponsation, we ean only add the ex

yvasstan of dar anferoned rogard for hin, our satisfredion

eth the faarhfal and able manwer in wihtel Tis winiste
has been Talhileds ovr forwent prayers for his restoration

x

to health end weefalmess, and our solicitude that he may

tata Had eves
1 Whe wisn fee

sven OP PRO,

sta Nyenndtly Een ry

ealied tend Wilts
Wha obapely nnd
vy Wha ene
ry unt (he prvaly
1h. lhe wrote (he
Poscneervenneres iy
rivit TITS Mn wlyat
vy ohdldren with
yvetlaen, Ma. rte
lytod (roy Vee
Winge Wey pela nl
wt oof any | Wave
ry ynoeting of the
mn. Vyas my ay
‘row Vanbaaes
ye wd any people
Ayal (live ta
Were it Waa boon

4) (tan four years

vsby tory, eonent
we! hiv thus se
ve are obliged (&
\ onl vadal the ox
your aatistvetion

viel Lig wiinisin

Wy his restoration

Rude that he ma)

HY COMO EE CORPO A Fy?
a

a

Ags
bee

B.. eno the Divine Denmedtothon

(dtr thee thier bene

ttl one tide Galige a fitrnl lenve oF Uenn

The Cillowinge | hi
on ee the
‘1 pret of tia letter te the presbyter yur
a oeonadon, dated Vrrnevboove ¥, (oon, P lth Oetober, pase

i“ 7
W) the Morlerator of the fival Ireahylery uf New Vurk

(Hrvenenn Ban, Clrenietaneos of a domeatio nature
fiay prevent omy attendances at thie ineeting of the Preah
tery My this communiontion PE owiah, in prtirmuanne of
fitention whieh Eoliave duly made known to the ahi
Boneorned, ti npyply fora asolution of the pasterral bs
Which Pont present sustain to the Amerioan Preah . a
Boviety of Montreal Lower Charade, ryterinn
Vou haven rivht to know my reasons for teking ¢
atep ao dmportant ond solemn to then and te ime, and t will
brietly vive thom. ‘Phey are iny present inability ty dis
dharze the duties of the station, and the Tittle neobatiitiy

that my health would ever be better amidst the extremes of

aa
that climate, and the toils imposed hy the peculiar state and
; tar ; sth tes F
solitary postition of the fleld of labor. How theea aiaceans
: hres successive
es [havo been annually prostrated by the rapid and de

Dilitating transition from the rigor of winter to the heat of

bWmimer, and obliged to seck a renovation of health by ab
#Ohoe and travelling, About fourteen months since, in view
OF tho repeated attacks by which my conatitution and lif
Were cndangered, [ determined finally to leave the is
vince, and returned to Montreal with the intention afd :
80 without delay. While engaged in making the arr: <
Ments for sucl sure, my sidduely an
a such a measure, my health was suddenly and

‘RoR

a

etary

he MEMOIR OF THE

surprisingly restored, and such were the affectionate en.
treaties of my people for my continuance among them, that
T consented to make the experiment for another year, |

did so. But the trial has brought me to look ever the
crumbling verge of the grave. The certificate of the high
est medical authorities in your city, whieh T obtained in
the month of August last, has since become wineeesaary to
convinee any one, that T must not only leave Canada, but
for some time, perhaps for ever, relinquish the much loved
duties of the ministry.”

The Farewell Letter, above mentioned, to his churel
and congregation, is inserted at the close of this volume, as
an expression of his mind and heart, which of itself might
suffiee to secure for him the love and gratitude of all who
read it. It were superfluous to say any thing with a view
to add to the interest of his performance, or render any of its

passages more striking or impressive, But the reader will

consider the circumstances in which it was produced : after
months of painful debility, and in the midst of anxious un
certainty for himself and his family ; at a distance from his
friendsand the scenes of his usefulness ; and, in short, when
encompassed with causes of depression and sorrow. In thi
situation, like Paul in bonds writing to his Philippians
and Thessalonians, he wrote to his people an epistle which
fow men in health would find it easy to write, and whieh
few in a like case would so much as think of attempting,—
cneouraging, comforting, exhorting, and warning them, «
afather doth his children. Let the reader turn to 1s
Thessalonians, especially the three first chapters, and li
will see with what feelings his soul was full. His church
which had increased during his ministry from about twent)
to one hundred and fifty members, was surrounded wit!

affectionate en
yong them, that
another year, |
y look ever the
eate of the high
1 L obtained in
y UNNCCCSAATY {0
we Canada, hut
the much loved

d, to his churel
of this volume, a
sh of itself might
titude of all who
thing with a view
r render any of its
But the reader will
is produced : after
fdst of anxious Wn
i distance from his
nd, in short, whev
id sorrow. In thi
o his Philippian
¢ an epistle which
write, and whic!
ik of attempting,—
warning them, *
feader turn to 1s
t chapters, and Ii
full. Wis church
from about twent}
s surrounded wit!

4 REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS, AY

he thick darkness of Popish error and delusion , and he
ared lest, after his departure, grievous wolves might enter

An among them, not sparing the flock, He therefore gave

them this faithful testimony; and with the earnestness
and eloquence of Christian love, counselled them for their
present and eternal good.

Mr. Christmas now felt in a manner lost,—those official
félations and duties, which both in sickness and in health
had excited and directed his utmost exertions, being dis-
solved, and his prospects of future health, employment and
Usefulness being obseure and disheartening. Instead,
however, of yielding to despondency and gloom, he at once
summons up all his energies, and as it were with his eye

“upon the opening grave, begins his pilgrimage anew, resoly-

64 not to waste or lose a moment that remained to him.
On the very day that his pastoral relation was dissolved,
he commenced ina quarto volume the notices above quoted
of his principal studies and writings while in Canada, and
néar the bezinning of the book wrote the following :—
“Phough convinced by painful experience of the futility
of were resolutions, still as all that is valuable and perma-
ment in character is founded on fized principles, which
every man must have, and which most men will find it he-
néficial to record and review, I proceed to express what
Ought to be the leading principles of my life, and which, I
pray God, may be transcribed in my future history.

“T devote myself and all I am, to the glory and service
of God, whose I am, and whose I have professed to be in
heart, for time and eternity.

é .

| ‘That I may best serve him, I am bound to promote
and preserve the perfection of my corporeal, intellectual,
and moral nature.

E

So

fyi MEMOIR OF TITB

‘ Bodily Nealth T have learned to be indispensable to
the aequirement and communication of knowledge,

“Twill ever be a learner ; study first those things whieh
are of greatest importanee, and will ever consider strenet)
and diseipline of mind preferable to a mass of knowledge,
and holiness of heart more desirable than an accumulation
of learning.”

He continued to write in this book oeeasionally, till nea
the close of 1820, of passing oecurrences, plans, and hint
of “things to be done,” his feeble and discouraging stat
of health, and the means of relief,

It remains very briefly to sketch the subsequent event
of his life,

In December, 1828, he prepared for a voyage, as chaplair
of one of the publie ships, whieh he hoped might benef
his health. But there being more delay before he eoull
sail than was consistent at that season with his feeble state
he sailed early in January, 1829, for New Orleans, as ayer
for the American Bible Society. Finding himself, on he
arrival there, unfavorably affected by the climate, ani
unable to speak in publie or make any considerable effor
any way, he soon returned. On reaching his family, hi
found that his youngest daughter had been ill during hi
absenee, and was now near death. On the seventh oi
April she was taken from them, aged six months, A fev
days subsequent to this event, their other daughter, the:
uearly three years old, was taken ill, and after a fortnight!
struggle with disease and pain, was likewise removed 0:
Lord's day morning, May third, as if in anticipation ¢
the release of both her parents.

Owing to these afflicting occurrences, and the fatigu
and anxiety attending them, the health of Mrs, Christos

indispensable to
nowledge.

hose things whieh
consider streneth
aa of knowledye,
an accumulation

asionally, till nea
, plans, and hint
discouraging stab

subsequent event

voyage, as chaplain
yped might beneti
ry before he coull
ith his feeble state,
w Orleans, a8 ayer!
ing himself, on Is
the climate, an
considerable effor
ing his family, |i
con ill during hi
Yn the seventh ¢
x months, A. fev
ver daughter, the:
1 after a fortnight
kewise removed «
in anticipation ¢

es, and the fatigl
of Mrs. Christos

A REV. JOSEPH STINBS CHRISTMAS, rt)

ad already begun perceptibly to decline; and his being

iN ut, slihtly benefitted by his voyage, they accepted an inn

“Witation from their endeared friend Mr. Wilder, to pass
“the summer at his residence in Bolton, Massachusetts,
There Mr, Christmas’ health was in a considerable degree
fecruited, and he preached to a newly formed chureh and
Oonvregation in that place, and was urged to become their
pastor. Mrs, Christmas, however, it was soon apparent,
Was fast sinking under the effects of pulmonary consump-
tion. Karly in July they returned to this city, and on the
Lord's day, August ninth, after a rapid decline and much
severe suffering, having vlorified her God and Saviour by
her meck submission, her joy in the promises of the Gospel,

her faith and patience, her repeated testimony on behalf of

Vital picty, her perfect readiness and willingness to depart,
4nd her triumphant confidence in Him who is the Resur-
fection and the Life, she fell asleep.

~The reader may imagine the tendency of this bereave-
Ment upon sensibilities and affections like those of Mr.
Ohristmas. Never were two persons more perfectly united
in heart and mind, in taste and judgment, in their views
and experience of religion, and in the whole aim and purpose
of life than those now separated. The cup of grief could
not fail at times to overflow, and at intervals he went to the
grave to weep there.*

oh

et _ ~ a a serene

* No worthier tribute can be paid to their joint memory, than
by quoting the following passage from a sermon on the advan-
tages of Christianity over all other religions, which he preached
om the second Sabbath preceding that on which his own death
Occurred. This was the last sermon that he wrote; and by his
@ndorsement on it, it appears thathe wrote it on the twenty-

60 MEMOIR OF TIIE

He had one unfailing resource, the throne of grace, tv
which he constantly repaired ; and he now realized the in.
estimable advantages of a well regulated and disciplined
mind, by which he was enabled to regard events in their
proper connections and relations, and to engage himself in
duties of active obedience, instead of being paralyzed with
sorrow, loneliness, pain, and discouragement. From some
indications of returning health, he felt that Providenc
might have something yet for him to do, and he girded

sixth and twenty-seventh of February, 1830, on one of whici
days it is known that he took a walk to the place where his de-
parted companion was buried. Having contrasted the principal!
systems of false religion with Christianity, he dwells on the
peculiar consolations and hopes of this divine religion, and in-
troduces the following illustration :

‘‘T saw a mourner standing at eventide over the grave of on
dearest to him on earth. The memory of joys that were pas
came crowding{on his soul. ‘And is this,’ said he, ‘all that re-
mains of one so loved and so lovely? I call, but no voice
answers. Oh! my loved one, wilt thou not hear? Oh, death’
inexorable death! what hast thou done? Let me too die. |
would not live always. Let me lie down and forget my sorrow
in the slumver of the grave.’ While he thought thus in agony,
the gentle form of Christianity came by. She bade him look
upward, and to the eye of faith the heavens wére disclosed. [it
saw the ineffable glory of God. He heard the song and th
transport of the great multitude which no man can numbe!
around the throne. There were the spirits of the just made per
fect; there the spirit of her he mourned. Their happiness wai
pure, permanent, perfect. ‘the mourner then wiped the tear
from his eyes, took courage, and thanked God. ‘All the day:
of my appointed time,’ said he, ‘ will I wait till my change come:
and he returned to the duties of life)no longer sorrowing «

those who have no hope.”

one of grace, tv
vy realized the in-
‘and disciplined
1 events in their
ngage himself in
ng paralyzed with
ent. From some
that Providence
lo, and he girded

——

0, on one of whicu
place where his de-
rasted the principa!
, he dwells on the
ne religion, and in-

er the grave of ont
oys that were past
said he, ‘all that re
call, but no volte
‘thear? Oh, death
Let me too die. |
nd forget my sorroy
ought thus in agony,
She bade him look
3 were disclosed. He
d the song and the
o man can numbet
of the just made per
Their happiness wo

then wiped the tear
God. ‘All the day:
till my change com¢
longer sorrowing *

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 61

‘bimself anew for any service to which he might be called,
“@nxious only to fill up what remained of life in such a
“Manner as to be every moment ready for its termination.

- In the course of this season he wrote for the City
Temperance Society an admirable “ Address to Physicians,”
adapted to enlist their zealous co-operation in behalf of
that cause. He also wrote for that society an appeal “ To
Grocers,” tending to dissuade them from selling intoxicat-
ing liquors; and likewise for the American Tract Society
several prize handbill tracts, which were accepted and pub-
lished.

_ About the first of October he accepted the unanimous

_ gall of the Bowery Presbyterian Church and congregation

to be their pastor ; and was installed as such on the four-
teenth of that month. Here his ministerial and pastoral
labors were in all respects abundantly acceptable, and be-
sides being the means of the conversion of several of his
hearers, his instructions, prayers and example, in public
and private, were eminently such as to benefit his people,
and rapidly to extend the sphere of his agency and in-
fluence. In the midst, however, of his usefulness, and
when hope was entertained that his health might be
entirely re-established, he was after a brief illness suddenly
@ajled hence on Sunday morning, March 14, 1830, aged
twenty-six years and eleven months.

‘Having perfect possession of all his mental faculties, he,
in full view of the near approach of death, employed
several hours 72 devotional exercises and conversation. He
prayed especially for his parents and other relatives, for his
church, and for the interests of Zion generally. He said
he had lately felt more than ever the value of the soul,
and that in order to a more zealous and faithful perfor-

Qo WRAOUR OW Tren

maneo of hia dutiet aa a ominiater of the gospel, he tad
dedieated Timeel® anew fo God and lad eomimneneed. a
couree of visiting, exhortation, and prayer ommonp hi
poople, when he took the eold whieh Drona ht on hia preaent
ilIness

Minally, Waving satistietorily replied to wariona inqtinies
respocting Nis Coolings fi view of the divine perfoetions
and goverment, and hia hopes in the proapeet of death,
having expressed his unwavering confidenee tn the atone
mont and mediation of Christ, and lia joylit hope of the
glory of God, he deliberately and with a poentiar solemnity
and fixedness of mind, reviewed Wia whole Tle, and re
commtod the principal events of it, eapeeially after he he
ean to preach the gospel THe oeeasionally paused, and
fwely confessed and condemned what appeared to Ihave
been wrong in feeling, motive, or aetion, in the progress ol
his history ; and he gratefully acknowledged and devoutly
praised God for the varied and manifold goodness whieh
he had expertoneed, and especially rendered thanks for the
divine Messing whieh had been vouehsafed on his labors
at Montreal, St. Andrews, and othor places. Having
finished this review, he turned his thoughts to the glorious
mothod of salvation revealed in the gospel, whieh for some
time engrossed and absorbed his whole attention. — Being
nearly exhausted, and searecly able to articulate, he said,
VT eommend my soul to the Lord Jesus Christ, who, as |
trust, sanctified and saved my dear departed wife, and who,
T doubt not, has reecived to himself also my two ehil dren,
whom Lt now expect soon to meet in glory.” He continued
in alternate prayer and praise till his hand, falling: on his
breast, gave notice that he had ceased to breathe.

graapel, he tad
A commenced a
‘oy open Th
ton hia present

wanton Hqiiivies
vine perfoetions:
vapeet af death,
yee tn the ntone
yl lope of th
jmenting solemnity
hale Tle, and. re
dally after he Iw
wally parsed, and
vpperved to Have
in the progress of
rod and devoutly
soodness whieh
‘od thanka for the
fod on hia labors
places, Having
hts to the glorious
1. whieh for some
attention, — Being
rtieulate, he said,
Christ, who, as |
ted wife, and who,
my two chil dren,
He continued

and, falling on iis
breathe,

HEV, JOSEPH STEN CUMRIST WAS 4

it Tn nttompting a eurvey of the charnetor of Mr Chiriet
wt Qe, it aeons proper firet. to obaerve that in porson hoes eons
Bender and well proportioned, with a finely formed hood
His featured were regular and beautiful, id there waa

entlonous and benignity in them and in his voice anil
Manner, whieh had their effeet on all who saw on he |
hin, and wore a happy index to his mind and heart

He xoomed to possess the various 1m nial fasulties in
equal perfeotion, and to eultivate each and all with the
fame case and the same suceoss. There was aueh a balunce
of the Kovernl powers, they operated with such ease and har
mony, and his whole intellectual strength was put forth with
Stich readiness and facility, that there scarcely appeared any
thing like offort, cither in the employments of his study,
in his conversation, or his public exercises. Pn conten
platin,, him, one did not think of a youth precocious in
HOMe single respect, or of vA man excelling in the power of
iMagination, reason, invention, or judgment, but almost
Whavoidably forvot all such distinctions » as in viewing any

’ model of art, wo think not of the parts into which it might

be divided, but are oceupicd with the impression which
results from the completeness and simplicity of a just
Mbination.

© It was doubtless owing, in some degree at least, to this
happy constitution, physical and intellectual, that his men-
tal associations and exercises were, as if by a natural law,
of the same felicitous cast. He possessed the power of as-
sociation and combination in a very high degree; and he
so employed it that the distinct and comprehensive associa-
tions of ideas which were established in his mind, might be
described, like a well written essay or sentence, as wanting
no essential constituent, and comprising on the one hand

4 NEMOTR OF THE

nothing unsuitable or superfluous, and on the other th
vivid pereeptions of the understanding, in connection with
the requisite touches of imagination and taste,

Ihe was execedingly qhick to pereeive the relations and
proportions of objects, whether physical or mental, ‘There
soemed to be spontaneously a justness, completeness, ani
harmony, in his first views and impressions, and by follow
ing them he eame rapidly to results, to whieh minds dif
forently gifted would arrive only by slow and cireuitous
methods,

This harmony of his mental powers was only heightened,
and, as it were, attuned by his affections, which were as
constantly exereised as his intellect. Whether it was from
habit or from original tendencies, this joint exereise of the in
tolleetual and moral powers was very conspicuous in him. It
scemed to be against the law ofhis being to regard or medi:
tate upon any thing apart from its moral relations; while
at the same time he had the liveliest sensibility to truth,
rectitude, propriety, and whatsoever is good and lovely, and
an entire aversion to every thing of an opposite character.

These brief hints may prepare the way fora more parti
cular delineation af some of the features of his character,
the details of which are suggested by the recollections of an
intimate aequaintanceship and an atteative perusal of his
writings,

The first and most obvious characteristic to be noticed
is, the remarkable purity and simplicity of his mind, No
one who knew him could fail to be impressed with this trait
or to pereeive how strikingly it was in keeping with the
natural delicacy of his pereeptions and feelings, his reli
gious principles and habits, and the rectitude, benevolence,
constancy, and decision of his character.

. the other thi
eonmection with

ale,

ie relations and
mt =

montal. Phere

mpleteness, anil
a, and by follow
whieh minds dif
yw oand eirenitous

only heightened,
ia, Which were as
rother it was from
t exercise of the in
ictous in him. Tt
to regard or med
1 relations; while
msibility to truth,
od and lovely, and
yposite characte ;
y for a more part
of his character,
recollections of an
tive perusal of his

stie to be noticed
of his mind. No
sed with this trait
keeping with the

feelings, his rel
itude, benevolence,

REV, JOSEPH STIBDS CHRISTMAS, ie

It was casy to perevive that his mind was fortified and
uarded hy his principles, anid enriched with congenial

jews and associations, ‘The associations which so lnrwely

i

“Dooupied it, taking their rise from leading elasses of objects,

wore as if moulded and harmonized, one suit after another, as
his knowledge was extended, ‘Thus his taste for natural
sooncry, his pereeption of the beauty of material objects,
May be presumed to have presented the first occasion for
the establishment of a class of associations, the presence of
Which was indicated by his efforts at drawing and painting,
and which at a subsequent period the imagination partially
bodied forth in poetry.

These associations, doubtless, were strengthened by time,
and by all those respecting other subjects, which were after-
wards formed; for in hismature years he had an exquisite
sense of the beauty of the works of creation, and could with
his pen or pencil impart his vivid and accurate perceptions
and impressions to others. Neither his natural simplicity,
his unsophisticated taste, nor the justness of his percep-
tions were impaired by the progress of time, the increase
of Garcs, or the influence of books and society.

At the most critical period of his life the divine influence
of religion was interposed to regulate and sanctify his
purposes and affections, to supersede the love of art, and to
Festrain the indulgence of imagination. A new world of
infinite interest and endless prospect was opened to his view.
Here was a supreme object of perfect excellence, and scope
for the exercise of every affection. The love and service
of God in compliance with the gospel became his ruling
passion, and his soul was bent on the purity, holiness, and
happiness of heaven.

In view of these observations, though they cast but a

when pk op lae MON Aes bec
att if
ii |

66 MEMOIR OF THE

feeble light upon the subject, it will not be thought strange
that remarkable purity and simplicity of mind is ascribed
tohim, It has been attempted rather to show how well
this trait comported with his mental constitution and
habits, than to do justice to it as a feature of his character.
It gave a charm and a lustre on the one hand, to his amia-
bleness and his piety as an individual, and on the other, 1

dignity, and even a venerableness to his character and
example, as a teacher and minister of religion. It appeared
spontaneously in all his thoughts, words and actions, in his
conversation, manners and deportment, in the intimacy of

private friendship, and the engarements of public life.
This feature of his mind may be observed every where
in hig writings; not only in those respects in which it ]
would be most obvious to notiee it, but in his method of
treating his subjects, not only in the absence of whatever is
! incompatible with it, but in the simplicity of his views, and

the sanctifying tendency of his instructions.

It scarcely needs to be observed how great an advantage
| he enjoyed in this respect, over those who ia early life give
| undue scope to some passion, fall into some vicious habit,
1 | or yield to the temptations of bad example; and whose
| imaginations and feelings become vitiated and ungovern-
able. Hven should they come to possess unquestioned
piety, the retrospect of such tiings must be painful, and
their influence will be likely in many ways to be pernicious,
notwithstanding the utmost efforts to discipline the mind,
restrain the fancy, and regulate the thoughts and feclings.
Happy they who determine from their earliest youth reso-
lutely and perseveringly to resist every temptation, to res-
pect theniselves and their immortal destiny, and to guard
every avenue to their minds against the intrusion of evil.

oucht strange
id is ascribed
1ow how well
stitution and
his character.
1, to his amia-
m the other, «
character and
1. It appeared
actions, in his
he iniimacy of
public life.

ed every where
3 in which it
his method of
sof whatever Is
f his views, and

it an advantage
1 early life give

vicious habit,
ble; and whose
and ungovern-
s unquestioned
be painful, and
o be pernicious,
pline the mind,
nts and feelings.
iest youth reso-
mptation, to res:
y, and to ouard

trusion of evil.

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 67

s Happy they who know least of the evils which exist in the

+ world, whose minds have not lost their native modesty and
- diffidence, and who J.ave not deceived themselves, nor been

~ deccived by others into the false and pestilent opinion that

whatever is evi! and corrupting, to be hated and shunned,
needs only to be heard or witnessed.

It occurs next to mention the pervading influence of his
piety, as worthy of distinct consideration.

The spirit of Christian piety, of love to God, benevolence
to man, and universal obedience, pervaded his character
and constituted the clement of his feelings, purposes and

conduct. He exhibited ia this respect a consistency xof

¢haracter in all the relations he sustained, and the changes
he experienced, which is lamentably rare. It appeared
not merely in his devotions and other religious exercises,
but in his constant walk and conversation, his habits and

employments, his temper and deportment, his conscien-

tiousness, humility and self-denial, his prudence, consider-
ateness, and care to avoid evea the appearance of evil.
Religion occupying the sources of emotion, the springs
of action, reigned in his affections and sympathies, and
stamped its impress on his opinions, habits, and manners.
No one could for a moment imagine it to be secondary to
apy other influence or object, whether regarding him in his
individual, social, or publiccapacity. Far from consisting
i an insulated set of notions and feelings, to be called up
on certain occasions, it held a supreme sway, and was the
chosen and all sufficient means of his happiness ; happiness
flowing from the state of reconciliation, the harmony ex-
isting between his feelings, desires and purposes, and the
divine perfections, laws and requirements. Hence his de-
light in all the duties and exercises of religion, public and

fi
3

iF
14

MEMOIR OF TILE

private, especially in that of prayer; and the utter insuffi.
ciency of all other means of enjoyment and objects of pur-
suit.

The same order and simplicity prevailed in this respect
as in the rest of his character. The things of religion lay
in his mind in their due relations, connecting the high in-
terests of the soul and of eternity with the duties and
privileges of every hour; and with all their influence con-
straining him to have nothing else to do, no object of de-
sire or pursuit but to glorify God by active obedience and
patient suffering.

He diligently studied the books of scripture and of provi-
dence; and while his mind was entirely made up in regard
to the doctrines and requirements of religion, as well as
the necessity of practising it in order to salvation, he felt
that to serve and glorify God by obedience, was alonc
Worthy the pursuit and consistent with the present and
future happiness of a rational and accountable being.
The great themes of revelation were present to his mind
in their connection with the glory of God, and the charac-
ter and destiny of man. An enlightened apprehension of
the method of salvation, the wonders of redeeming love,
the infinite revenue of glory to be secured by the divine
government from the agency of creatures ; and on the other
hand, a lively and huuiliating conviction of the prevalence
and the evil of sin, the miserable condition of the impeni.
tent world, and his own personal obligations to be holy,
and to lay himself out to diffuse abroad the influence o!
Christian love, and the blessings of salvation ; such were
the solemn and heart-stirring considerations in view of
which he thought and acted, It was not the contracted
project of a party, nor any thing peculiar to a sect, that

The utter insuflt.
1 objects of pur-

1 in this respect
+3 of religion lay
ting the high in-

the duties and
oir influence con-
no object of de-
ve obedience and

ure and of provi-
ade up in regard
ligion, as well as
salvation, he felt
ience, was alone
the present and
countable being.
sent to his mind
1, aud the charac-
apprehension ol
f redeeming love,
red by the divine
- and on the other
of the prevalence
ion of the impeni:
tions to be holy,
the influence 0
ation ; such were
itions in view o
not the contracted
liar to a sect, that

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CIIRISTMAS. 69

4
engaved his affe f ste
j affections and characterized his piety; but

“that boundless philanthrophy, benevolence, and good will,

which was displayed in the mission of the Saviour, and

a

which, though it embraces the whole universe, and secks
to reclaim and save the whole race of man, and to deliver
the world from wickedness and misery, yet exerts all its
énergy in the patient, humble, self-denying performance of
present duty; it was that love which suffercth long and is
kind, which envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not puffed
up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own
is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not :
iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, and never faileth.
Alas ! that this spirit should so welders have a decided
ond uniform sway, over the temper and conduct, that
felicion should so seldom supersede all other aiects
of regard; that the exercise of the affections in tha
love of God and his kingdom, should not oftener extinguish
selfish feclings, and confer that degree of pure enjoyment
and those bright anticipations, with which nothing would
willingly be permitted to interfere. Alas! that apathy on
the one hand, and false zeal on the other, zeal arising from
errors and illusions of the imagination, disregarding the
facts and lessons of experience and the sobe: dictates of
90d sense, and requiring novelty and extravagance, both
of object and method,—should ever usurp the place of that
piety, which, engrossing the heart, employs itself in the
plainest and commonest duties, and in unceasing efforts of
Obedience to all the commands of God. . a
Another feature of his character deserving to be dis
tinctly mentioned, was seen in the influence of his prii ip
ples over his conduct. ee te
| To say that he acted from principle, would convey but

H
if
BE:

sey ote ORSON | 1 MO TTT

70 MEMOIR OF THE

a faint impression of what is intended. It seemed essen-
tial to his satisfaction to perceive and feel the obligation,
reason, or principle, in compliance with which he was to
act. It suited his views and feelings to dwell on the laws
and precepts of the Bible, as rules of conduct of divine au.
thority and perpetual obligation. He delighted’ in the
law of God, and, in the performance of duty, derived
pleasure from knowing and perceiving that God, in his
boundless wisdom and goodness, required it. He had no
idea, as he somewhere writes, of happiness apart from holi-
ness, nor of holiness apart from intelligent obedience, the
doing of known duty in view of the true reasons for it, the
performance of right acts from right motives. Hence he
studiously gave to his principles, and to the great truths
and facts of reason and revelation, all possible sway over
his feelings and conduct; and his mind rested on them
with unwavering confidence. And hence, what has seem-
ed strange to many, the perfect inflexibility of his charac
ter, the constancy of his purpose, the firmness of his reso-
lution, when called on to meet any question of principle.

And hence, also, the independence of his mind, the cour.
age and confidence with which he investigated every sub-
ject for himself, and followed evidence wherever it led.
From what has already been said, the reader may easily
imagine how well he knew what constituted evidence, and
how much satisfaction the perception of it afforded him.
It was not enough for him that others believed, allowed,
or practised ; he was not content until he saw the reason,
and his hands as it were handled the evidence. This with
his love of truth, his reverence of the divine authority, and
his sense of obligation, guarded him against rash conclu:
sions, and led him cheerfully to renounce whatever he

t seemed essen-
| the obligation,
which he was to
well on the laws
uct of divine au-
lelighted’ in the
f duty, derived
hat God, in his
it. He had no
apart from holi-
it obedience, the
reasons for it, the
tives. Hence he
the great truths
yssible sway Ove!
rested on them
, what has seem:
ity of his charac
aness of his res0-
tion of principle.
is mind, the cour
igated every sub-
wherever it led.
eader may easily
ted evidence, and
> it afforded him.
believed, allowed,
he saw the reasol,
lence. This with
ine authority, and
Kinst rash conclu
nce whatever he

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. G1

3 found to be erroneous, and to adopt what he found to be
7 in accordance with the law and the testimony.

There was a directness and steadiness in his perceptions

and aims, corresponding to the integrity and constancy of his
mind, which tended to give his principles a uniform sway

over his feelings as well as his conduct, and which allowed
no place to fickleness, ambiguity, or indecision. This part
of his character was advantageously manifested in the great
Variety of his experience in the different situations in which
he was placed ; in the alternations of prosperity and adver-
sity, favor and opposition, ease and suffering, joy and grief.
There was that about his temper and deportment in these
diversified circumstances, which could not fail to satisfy
those who were intimate with him, that it was his reliance,

mot upon feelings but principles, that sustained him, and
‘that he was not less under their sway and influence when

@nseen by mortal eyes, than when in the midst of society.
It were a salutary exercise for any one of kindred views
and feelings, to follow such a mind into its retirement ;
there, apart from the world to lay its cares at the foot of
the cross, and by faith in the principles and facts of reli-
gion, the truths and promises of the Bible, to converse with
the unseen world and worship God. The exercises and
meditations proper to such an occasion, are adapted to trans-
form the mind, raise it above all selfish interests and pas-
sions, captivate it with the purity and benevolence of the
Gospel, and cause it to realize and feel that the yoke of self-
denying obedience and patient suffering, isthe highest pri-
vilege and honor to be attained or diesived on earth, by the
followers of him who loved us and gave himself for us.
In addition to these general views of his character, it
"remains to mention some particulars in which his example
was worthy of imitation.

MEMOIR OF THE

1. In regard to the leading object and purpose of’ his
life,

The one single object for which he lived, was fo glorify
God, by obedience to his will. This he kept in view in all
his plans, designs, and efforts, —1t was obedience as a mat-
ter of personal and indispensable obligation, which modified
and gave point to his purposes and exertions,

In one of his acts of self-dedication, he thus begins : “|
devote myselfto the glory and service of God: and from
numerous indications in his writings, it is evident that this
was the particular view which he cherished, and to which
he constantly had reference, Far from considering reli-
gion a mere matter of privilege to be passively enjoyed, he
felt the forse of those precepts which require universal and
perpetual obedience ; and having cordially enlisted in the
service of God, he surveyed the field of effort, considered
what was to be done, and especially what he was to do, and
applied himself to the performance of his duty.

Te was aware that the purpose for which he lived requir
ed not only labor, perseverance, patience, and faith, but
likewise self-denial, and a constant warfare with the powers
of evil. Nevertheless, he chose it, and continued to choose
it, with all the efforts and sacrifices it involved, and wa
never more disposed to abound in effort and self-denial,
than in the last weeks of his life. He closes the sermon
preached a fortnight before his death, on the advantages o!
Christianity, already referred to, with the following sen
tences:

‘“ Christianity is all want. It meets my case as a sin-
ner, as a sufferer, as an immortal being, as a creature de
sirous of happiness. It supplies every want, anticipates
every desire, fills the soul, and in the end saves the whole

purpose of his

was fo glority
1t in view in all
licence as a mat
which modified
is,
hus begins : ‘1
fod: and from
evident that this
sd, and to which
considering relt-
ively enjoyed, he
ire universal and
ly enlisted in the
effort, considered
he was to do, and
s duty.
ch he lived requir
ce, and faith, but
re with the powers
mntinued to choos
involved, and was
t and self-denial,
closes the sermon
the advantages ¢!
the following se

B my case as a sit:
as a creature de
want, anticipate
d saves the whole

reey
de?

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS.

I am rationally and fully convineed by its evt-

, . . . . , °
dence. | believe the promises of this holy book, the word

f God. Twill yield myself in obedience to its precepts
Z will do my utmost through life to spread its triumphs. I

will hope for its consolations in the darkest night of sorrow ;

. . . :

and in the dissolution and wreek of nature I will cling to
o ae ? 2 nie . . : 4

this last plank, assured that it will carry me through the i

4 DG i

surging billows, to the peaceful shore of eternity. So may fi
. rf ae
it be ; and to God shall be glory evermore, through the a
’ e © : a

merits of the Lamb that was slain.” 4
This singleness of |
lis singleness of purpose had many advantages. In i

;

general, it left but one question to be determined, namely : it
What was it his duty to do? Its paramount sway a i
influence tended to counteract and prevent the risings -of ‘
a@lfishness, to exclude all sinister views and objects ; and to '
Head him to study and imitate the example of the saviour tc \
imbibe his spirit ; to dwell on the design of his vacdintarial 1

work and vovernment, and constantly to renew his deter HH]
mination, whatever j , i
AL co T's if

; urse others might pursue, to do all in k

"

4

his: ae} € ré IA }
power to advance the interests and honor of truth and

righteousness.
: Ht was in comformity with his object and his views, that |
‘ a my U a
@was ever anxious to perform what he undertook, in the /
best manne °
nner he was capable of. He spared no pains with t

Cc . e .
respect to matter or manner, either in his preparations, or
“)

in-the performance of duty. He kept his eve steadil

his'object, as conscious of the divine inspection and aes |
ous to be accepted in ail that he did. He eee: rre eH V
to discipline his mind by systematic studies oa i 4
and that he might neither lose any time, nor be un ces "
for his public services, when his state of health ke q
permit him to write, he often dictated his sermons to pe I

74 MEMOIR OF ‘TTIE

amanuensis. There are among his m:uscripts a consider.
able number which were written in this way, chiefly who
travelling or at some place ot temporary sojourn, and when
such efforts, though doubtless in his orinion very necessary,
must have been very difficult. hese sermons do not appear
to be inferior to those generally which he wrote himself,
They bear all the marks of his habits of thinking and his
style of composition.

He likewise, when feeble and depressed and in danger of
crowing inactive and useless, was in the habit of reading
Kuclid daily, and other works of similar tendency, in order
to sustain and preserve the powers and tone of his mind.

Finally, his view of the object of life and his sense of
obligation led him to urge upon c:hers the immediate per.
formance of their duty. He was perfectly assured that the
gospel, as the means of the conversion and sanctification of
men, was designed and every way adapted, by its authority
and its array of motives and sanctions, to produce present.
immediate effects ; and he preached it under that conviction
and for that end, with all earnestuess and fidelity, urging
instant compliance with its requirements. The following
passage on this point is from the close of one of his sermons,
‘‘On the means of Grace,” and will, it is presumed, be
read with interest. -

‘‘ There are two methods pursued by ministers ant
professing Christians in their directions to inquiring sin-
ners, one of which is unwarranted and therefore dangerous.
the other is scriptural and therefore safe. When thos
who pursue the first method are asked by any one, Wha'
must I do to be saved? they tell him to repent and believe
and so far correctly. When the sinner replies, that hi
cannot do it, they tell him ‘to pray to God to give him:

&

pts a consider:

- chiefly wheu

urn, and when
very necessary,
18 do not appear
, wrote himselt.
hinking and his

ind in danger of
rabit of reading
ndency, in order
ne of his mind.
and his sense 0!
1e immediate per
Ly assured that the
d sanctification 0!
1, by its authority
p produce present.
Jor that conviction
nd fidelity, urging
s, The followin:
ne of his sermons.
it is presumed, he

by ministers ant
s to inquiring sit
erefore dangerous
Lafe. When thos
by any one, W hai
yepent and believe
er replies, that hi
God to give him!

STIBBS CHRISTMAS. )
de

REV. JOSEPH

. ten} Le ) 0 li ) at the
ord) fay MY ® pe | of the

‘“ Now this
: s counsel given to an inqui
p D a r| .
to stifle his convictions, 7% 6 inquirer, directly tends
ih’. My pictions, ts a virtual relinguishment
$§ C (hL7) , ‘. . P . (
hat non the heart, is an inconsistent direction z
Nhat Ws as er - y v Ue
z... $ as diffi ult as repentance itself, and is ¢ |
pare direction and scriptural ¢ chp eo
hae Z & Ile.
4 4 uch a counsel directly ‘ends to stifle a sinner’
etions. is nt : a sinners con-
the force be suai was ceen disturbed. He feel
: eels
a it is sient demanus upou his love and obediene
t is an unwilli C;
apd a sense onan »8 to comply with these diggers
as at he must if ae would é:
\ ; uld be save
Be cars with anguish, Fust-aiil be saved, that wrings
oD : “ c ils time his ..e
Wide, instea “ : us spiritué
. ie the . a pressing home his obligations, di an
pe eans, and lie at the pool, waiting God’ Pee
lad to catch at an tl 1 ’ Ing (rod s time ,
a, i anything rather than immediatel
th them, he uses the means, and ately comply
readsand prays, and think ’ prays and reads, and
acic es iinks he is now doing his d "ay
science is relieved, his distress disa Terapia aia
soles himself wit! the tl : appears, and he con-
OD wot be hia £ i the thought, that if he is not saved i
iis fi r ; e
and his fears all ault. ‘hus are his convictions quencl :
ars allayed, by saying peace, pec 1€¢
mo peace. The temporary relief th ‘fi ie when there is
why su : us afforded is t .
N 4 ch preaching and such directions a he reason
y the unregenerate, and why it is called pe Nee leads
t H . alled s
rine to preach immediate submission, a ci uch hard doc-
sometimes solicits a minis »Acircumstance which
oft & minister to waive the plai ;
a. e plain dealing
“]
n the next
ne place, such a direction is a vi
quishment of God’s clai irection 1s a virtual relin
Bilbets to th aim on the heart. When the sj
’ 1 oO sn2 ° ,
: e gospel injunction to repent, tl sana
, that he ‘cannot,’

ey}
fae
4
ct i
13
4
3
4

76 MEMOIR OF THE

he is only expressing his repugnance to the duty. It is
not true that he cannot, in any other sense than that he
will not. To direct him then to ‘use the means,’ in order
to get perchance a better heart, is to allow that the objection
is valid. Of consequence it follows that God has no right
to make such a demand, and the sinner is under no obliga.
tion to comply with it. The point in controversy betwee
God and the sinner, viz., his claim on the heart, is con.
eeded to the sinner, and his spiritual guide authorizes him
for the present to render something else and something
less than his heart, viz., an attendance on the means; au-
thorizes him to continue a little longer in rebellion against
God, authorizes him to cherish his heart of enmity until
God shall give him a better.

‘Tn the next place, such a direction is inconsistent, for
it calls on him to do what is as repugnant to the sinncr’s
feeling as repentance itself. It is presumed that no one
who gives such a direction, would advise the sinner to
read and pray and hear in an unbelieving and impenitent
manner. But to use these means with penitence and
faith, implies that he has already done the duty which th:
direction evades,

“ And finally, such a direction is contrary to scriptural
instruction and example. The Bible nowhere admits that
the sinner cannot comply with his duty. It nowhere
directs him to use the means of grace in order to get:
heart to repent. It fearlessly directs him to repent, taking
it for granted that he can if he will, and there it leaves
the matter, and there it leaves the sinner to meet the con-
sequences of impenitence.

‘Tn accordance with this is every direction given ti
sinners by the preachers of holy writ. Isaiah says, Wasl

he duty. It is
© than that he
means,’ in order
nat the objection
‘od has no right
under no oblig:
troversy betwee
ic heart, is cov.
¢ authorizes him
» and something
1 the means; au-
-yebellion against
t of enmity until

$3 inconsistent, for
nt to the sinner’s
med that no one
ise the sinner to
¢ and impenitent
th penitence and
ie duty which the

trary to scriptural
Lwhere admits thet
uty. It nowhere
in order to geta
1 to repent, taking

nd there it leave
r to meet the cor:

direction given ti
Isaiah says, Wasl

rd
(

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS.

ou, nuthe you clean, put away the evil of your doings,

eease to do evil, learn to do well. He calls upon t the
wicked nun to forsake his way, and the unr ighteous man

This thoughts. Jeremiah calls upon backsliders in Isracl to
vircumcise themselves to the Lord, and take away the fore-
skins of their hearts. Ezckiel says, Cust away from you all
your transgressions, whereby ye have offended, and make
you anew heart and anew spirit.. Joel calls upon sinners
in danger to turn unto the Lord with all their hearts.
John the ee came preaching in the wilderness, saying,
Repent yc, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. When
the Redeemer began to preach, he said, Repent ye, for the
Kingdom of heaven is at hand. The apostles, in their
preaching, made the same unqualified demand of imme-

fate repentance, When the three thousand on the day of
ae said, Men and brethren, what must we do?
the only direction the apostle gave them was, epent and
be baptized, every one of you, for the remission of sins.
Op another occasion he said to the multitude, /epent ye,
therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted
out. James says, Cleanse your hunds, ye sinners, and
purify your hearts, ye double minded. In all these in-
stances there was no allowance made for the moral impo-
tence of sinners. The duty of sinners was pointed out,
and the obligation enforced ; but there was no direction to
pray to get the disposition to do their first aud immediate
duty. Nor dare we, if we would conform to apostolical
example, pursue a different course.

“Tf it be said that this places sinners in a hard ease,
we reply, that they cannot be placed in any different situ-
ation until they repent. It is the situation their own
impenitence places them in, nor can any relief be warrant-

prate,
Se

78 MEMOIR OF THE

ably given until they do repent. The gospel has not 4
word of encouragement until you do this; and when this
is done, it is all merey, and there will be time enough to
offer the balm of its consolations. There is no by-road to
heaven, there is no entrance to the narrow way but by th
straight gate. We must exhort you to repent and believe
the gospel. We dare direct to nothing as a substitute fo:
this, to nothing which implies its procrastination. For
there is no time to lose. The next resolve may be, Cw
him down, why cumbereth he the ground. The next dis
covery of the sinner may be that he is in a world where i:
is too late to repent. Our next mecting may be at the ba
of God, where you shall not have it to say that you wer
directed to use the means and wait God’s time, instead 0:
immediate repentance, and a cordial surrender of yow
whole hearts to your Creator, Benefactor, Redeemer, ani
Judge.”

II. There was much that is worthy of imitation in hi
views of doing good,—of the manner of exerting his agen:
so as both to glorify God and benefit his fellow-men.

It has already been observed that the principle of hi
conduct was obedience to God. It was in compliance
with this rule that he endeavored to do good to his fellor
men. It was this, in distinction from mere sympathy an
feeling, and from all personal, worldly, and tempor
motives, and in distinction from a mere imitation of other
and from that indifference and listlessnes which affects «
regard the good result to be accomplished by action, whi:
the obligation of the agent, the principle in obedience t
which acceptable actions must be performed, is overlooki.
or disregarded.

He took a wide survey of the condition of his fellor

osptl has not a
- and when this
time enough to
is no by-road to
» way but by th
epent and believe
g a substitute for
rastination. For
olve may be, Cw
d. The next dis
na world where tt
‘may be at the bat
say that you wer
's time, instead 0
urrender of youl
or, Redeemer, an!

of imitation in hi
exerting his agent

s fellow-men.

he principle of hi
was in compliance

» good to his fellor:
nere sympathy au:

dly, and tempor

imitation of other

es which affects t
hed by action, whi:

ple in obedience '

brmed, is overlook.

Nition of his fellor

head

REV. JOSEPIL STIBBS CHRISTMAS, 79

reatures and of the divine dispensations towards them.

44

5

. Ocgasioning harm.

ithe nical: law, ha gospel, ana the retributions of atecniéy,
“as presenting an object of unspeakable interest to every
benevolent mind, and as claiming unlimited benevolent
exertion, he felt that the supreme and primary rule and
aim of every action must be to obey and glorify God.
With the utmost solicitude for the renovation and salva-
tion of men, he felt how narrow was the sphere in which
his own agency could be directly employed to benefit them,
and how liable he was to cause or be the occasion of detri-
ment ; that his doings must be limited to prayer, and the
presentation of motives to their minds, to persuade and in-
duce them to obey the gospel, while a thousand opposing
influences were at work, and the period of probation

Fapidly passing away.

It was with such views that he prepared for the pulpit
—for the offering up of prayer and supplication, and the
presentation of motives in his sermons. It was with such
views that he estimated the motives to be presented by
hig manner, his temper, his consistency, his whole de-
meanor, and felt how incompatible it would be with his
design, and how repugnant to the influence of the Holy
eerit, for him to act out of character in these respects.

» With his views on this subject, his acute sense of re-
sponsibility, and his conscientiousness, it can be no wonder
that it was a well considered and cardinal point with him,
in every attempt to do good, to beware of doing or
To do some evil by rashness, negli-
gence, or some other fault in matter ov manner, while
endeavoring to do good, was no more eons‘stent’ with his

_ ideas of obedience, nor any wore excusable in his view of

nit See i EN i ec ainsi anes hp ic.

Si) MEMOIR OF TUE

obligation, than to do or cause the like evil without any
such endeavor. He was in this, as in other respeets, hi
own severest censor, and had too clear a view of his. obli-
gations, the relations of his conduct, and the sphere li
was to move in, to deceive himself in this matter. — [
were needless to say how far removed he was in this part
of his character from those who merely follow the blind
impulses of’ feeling, and the dreams of unrestrained imazi-
nation ; and whose activity and enjoyments, indifference
and gloom, alternate as their feelings are exhilarated or
depressed. The fourth, fifth, and first ten verses of th
sixth chapter of Paul’s second . Epistle to the Corinthians,
may be referred to as exhibiting in the most striking man-
ner, the model on which as a Christian and a minister hi
was formed; as happily portraying the motives and rules
which actuated and governed him; the views he enter
| tained of his personal and official obligations and duties.

and of his place and relations, as a responsible agent co-
operating with God; the experience in which he largely
shared, the holy affections, the exalted hopes, and divin 1

joys, which filled his soul and raised him above the world.
Whoever shall study and enter into the spirit of thos a
chapters, will understand his views of doing good mor I
perfeetly than they can be deseribed. V

The nature and province of moral influence constituted h
a favorite subject with him, and claimed a large share ol d
study and reflection, which doubtless aided him in the r

acquisition of the clear and definite ideas which he had 0! a
the attriby..cs of moral agency, and of the nature of obli Be
gation, of virtue or holiness, and of sin. Ie was favore 01

by the possession of an unusual share of common sen:
and of taat practical wisdom, aptitude, and judgmen

wil without any
ier respeets, hi
new of his. obli-
the sphere h
his matter. lt
was in this part
follow the blind
restrained imaui-
nts, indifference
© exhilarated or
ten verses of th
the Corinthians,
ost striking man-
nd a minister hi
notives and rules
» views he enter
tions and duties,
onsible agent co-
hich he largely
,opes, and divin
above the world.
e spirit of thos
doing good mor

renee constituted
a large share 6!
ided him in the
which he had ©!
ie nature of obli

He was favore:

f common sen:

and judgmet:,

Gy

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS, &1

which adheres closely to faets and principles, and selects

“the best means for the attainment of ends. It was by
Firtue of these qualities that he knew so well how to adapt

himself to every description of persons, and how to con-
¥ince and persuade them by exciting an appropriate exer-
cise of their own minds, assisting them to clear and just
perceptions of their character, accountability, and duty,
and presenting the requisite motives.

He cordially approved, encouraged, and promoted, the
great objects of evangelical benevolence, and was ever
ready to render them the utmost service in his power.
There are among his papers a dozen or more addresses,
whieh were delivered by him at public meetings of Bible,
Missionary, Mducation, Tract, Sunday school, and other
‘weiotics, besides a number of brief sketches and references
~s other similar addresses, and several sermons upon the
Same subjects. Ife was among the earliest and most
efficient promoters of the temperance reformation, which
he continued to aid by his example, his voice, and his pen,
to the close of his life.

His attention to the subject of missions while inquiring
asto the path of duty for himself, and after choosing and
haying in view a missionary life, awakened an interest
Which never subsided. The wretched condition of the
human race, the unlimited resources of the gospel, and the
duty of those individually and collectively, who have expe-
rienced its blessings, were continually before his mind:
and he regarded with intense interest the missionary
service, and those events of Providence, and movements
of the Church, by’ which the cause of redeemine merey
was advanced.

Ill. His diligence and his great and persevering efforts
to accomplish what he undertook. | 7

eS ee ee

pas Sera
ARI Mire Recipe Warde pot

x

zeae
octal
scrim EAN

as

VN WOT OV

OE Nis diligonee Hay be anportiinater ta selel nny thine
exeopt that there was order and eyaton ta tia dadefite ohh,
raed yy Veowae (ara tone tie Dia praetion at Che elas
MH ovely week. fa creview and nate dower what te tad dan
my (he ountervaly amd fo aleetely da nmmerieah order (h
Hines ty be poutally mdonded da, the pastoral vietta do dy
made, the subpeets do be atudiod, the bookea ta Jr veel A
theensmine week Qeeastonaliy Teo nade a Tee rete tu: ol
loner periods and: Tatd owt a oplacof Gite and men
oxtended oflorts and atiidios Wspoorially id lhe le (Ih
ON ANY portant ehanoe ta hia eiremmataneed, and. wit
parhiontiay veferenee fo books and means of preparation t
WHIVE BEFVTER

Raut he was ne lose persevering Chan diltoen Aw |

entered pon every undertaking with a strane: seaae «

daty, and echershed a lively eonvietion of hia obliontion

andoas his leading objeet and purpose avad fo plorify Gh

by obedience to his will, the neeessity of porseveranes, |

renewed and protracted effort, seemed to have no tenden

fo diseonrage or fatiene. Reing satished as to what v

lis duty and heartily delighting in it, if was a part of ti

sysiom to make oreat and persevering efforts do aeeompls

Waal he Undertook
\\ Te moriis to be commemorated as an exempla

practice m him, that Ae /

) * u < )
ooked FOr, TEeSTVCT and expected t

rosudis of Ris pmayers and efforts, both here wi
e . A

viewed his own ageney equally with other objeets, |

iis Connections and relations; and its known ov antierpat

resulis were the oceasion of serious thought and soliettud

As an accountable agent, and. eo-worker with God, he |

ean estimate on his prayers and efforts, as to

j
onde any lin

Kia dade Pi thoabh
etien ah Che elas
Ayt tre Tel clon
ortent ooveer th
ataval vinite fa dy
cada he vorneh, A

Wee reytew ol
Watisre neh nen
\ Aid le do thn
ataneod, and wil

of preparation t

y dilreent Aw |
N (ron a ee ho
of Ita ablation
va to glorify Ga
Wo porseveranes, |
yhhave no tendon
wloas to what
{ was a pare ot |i

Yorts do aecomplis

}oas an exempla
“7 and expected |

pis, both here ai

th other objects,
Lowa or anbierpat
wht and soliettud
r with God, he]

and efforts, as to:

REV, JOSKPEE ST ERS CARIBE MAE pis

Aidiflerent to th ae present ‘it Citrine CON BOC TLOTIOS ote hire

tellin otlera, Like thie Fiachaneden Whin ploughs thyeyer
“Bolds whieh he intends to plant, and plants in Hie Dies

And expectation of a harvest, there was an directness snd
A Appropriatenesa ier Tees perpen andl exertions, whieh
implied mn enrnest expeetntion of results There ore in
his writings Hrecuent notioos ¢ KPPOser ve Of his eoneorn For
the succes hig dabers, and) for the holy lives nnd final
happiness or ho converts tinder his ministry; and likew pss
Of the effects whieh he witneased of tis prenehing and
Writings. A csinele instance to this effect mory be etted
Near the close of IHU, he met in New Jersey 1 Youn
Mon then pursuing his studies for the ministry, whos
el ee Hider his pronching in Montreal, on

° ade a note of the cireamatances, and added,
With oxprossions of vratitude to God, that there were then
within his knowledse five young men Cwhose names he
BUbjoined, )preparing for the sacred office, of whose hope
fal conversion ho had been instrumental,

His sentiments and feclings in relation to this subject
will be best exhibited by the following passayes from u ner
mon which he preached in Montreal, in May, 1424, just
before his final departure, entitled, Christian Te waits
from the text, “ Myery man shall receive his own re ward.
aosordins to his own Jabor.” Plaving largely establish ;
mp ocetrino contained In this passage, he thus proceeds
Mhe doctrine of the proportional rewards of the
rightcous, thus taucht hy sO Many passages of Heri pture
commends itself'to our understandiags by many re wats
considerations,

“ad If labor heightens the enjoyment of ubsec us nt repo
if the bitter vives a hivher relish to the swee which : is

vy ¢
ta A

Et
py
Be

satis Ate ore ase

4 MEMOIR OF TIE

coeds it, and if sanctified afflictions work out for us a fay
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, then it fo)
lows that he whose labors have been the greatest, must: oj
necessity enjoy a rest the most refreshing, that he who ha
tasted most of the bitter, shall drink of sweetness the mos
delicious, and he who has endured the most affliction {iy
Christ, shall be immortally strong to bear the most. os
ceeding and eternal weight of glory.

“Again, if'a large ingredient in the happiness of beaye
consist in an exquisite sense of the divine approbation
then he who has the most faithfully and acceptably verve
God in his day and generation, must, in the consciousnes
of that, have the largest measure of happiness. An
again, as a high and refined souree of our rejotetng, |
the testimony of our conscience, he whose conscience lik

the apostle’s ean testify, that in simplicity and godly sir

eerity he has had his conversation in the world, and |i

persevered in a patient continuance in well doing, must

course enjoy the most exalted degree of spiritual happine
in heaven,

Besides this, the eminently holy man will, in the futw

world, have a higher satisfaction in witnessing the go

effects of his devotedness to God, ere, the seed seer

often to be sown in vain, and patience appears to reap
tardy harvest ;—there, it will be seen that no labor in th
Lord was in vain, that no sincere effort was ever ma

without in some measure glorifying God. Aad when:

the seed shall have sprung up, and all the harvest. shall’

eathered in, the holy will have unspeakable satisfaction |
the review of their instrumentality in carrying forward ¢

. a : ]
erent designs of heayen’s merey to man;—and then sh

he who has sown most seed, come rejoicing with the larg:

srk out for us a tar
f glory, then it fol
he greatest, must 0!
ling, that he who ha
sf sweetness the mos
ho most affliction fy
o bear the most ex

¢ happiness of heave
» divine approbation
and acceptably sorve!
t, in the conscLousnes
o of happiness. An
of our repairing, |
whose conscience Vik
iplicity and godly sit
mn the world, and he
in well doing, must!
e of spiritual happines

man will, in the futu
fn witnessing the 9

Here, the seed seer
ence appears to rei}
son that no labor in th
» effort was ever mal
o God. And when:

all the harvest shall!

speakable gatisfaction |
in carrying forward ¢

hi

o man;—and then +

ejoicing with the largt

REV. JOSEPIT STIBBS CIRISTMAS, 8D

‘Bheaves :—and in witnessing these glorious results, shall
3 ; atau f — . : y ba
ery mum receive his own reward according to his own
aor. | |
“Pp ta arrange j
By this arrangement, the Most High, while he has
_. the loftiness of man, and exalted himself by a way
of salvation, not by works but by grace through faith, and
r rao ’ j |
that not of ourselves, but as the gift of God, does, at the
. : : ea e . :
game time, show his love of holiness and order, by this
; , . ; 4 ) J ‘
yA his approbation upon the cood works of his accept
>... and thus throws into the scale of virtue, not
8) vf iva) } igs 7 ; 7 :
y aie itself, but the various degrees of heaven’s
ty. nd this is no mo ) sence
re thi » mi
glory Ses vole han what we might expect
i A - Though the greatest and least sinner be both
an a e saved through grace abounding by the redemp
. . ] ae Es . . ; . i : ; :
tion = is in Christ, yet itis nothing more than what we
expect, that he wl emi : |
] 1@ Who has been emin |
ite. : ie has been eminently useful and
ere, should be eminently happy in the 7
_— ealeaaaiatede ppy ie world to come,
asonanie to suppose that Paul the aged, wi
had spent his life dow irs i capa
eo ywn to gray hairs in unceasing exer
ms for the cause of Christ; that Paul the Apostle ‘i
ong sustained the responsib ities and discl ies
: ett 2s and discharged the ar-
uous duties of that station that Paul the
had been throuzh a life of -ril, i eagle tks
eu alife of oril, in deaths oft, and at |
closed his course on the is
: ie seaffold, should take a hi
place, and wear a brighter erown than tl fi a we
. chter ex an the infant of ds
that has just lived, and, ithout sustaining a res F bil
or enduring a conflic ¢ thi | ase iat
. g a conflict, let this world for a better ?
a answered s biecti via.
bing inswered some objections to the tendency of tl
doctrine, he closes with the followi lati
a he following remarks :
» ine PUNE ¢ poet |
2 e doctrine of proportionate rewards suggests to
us ¢ : reason why a long li ts desirable 7
77 | -
9 an un ve on i
neonverted man, concerning whom it remains

<p leone

a

eto aT
eI ORES ay aan

Sees:

prmneree -

v

86 MEMOIR OF THE

to us yet an uncertainty, life is only valuable as it inereases
the chance of his being converted. ‘To a converted man it
is desirable, not for the happiness he here enjoys, for he
would be unspeakably more blessed in heaven, but as it
affords him an opportunity of acting for God, and laying
up treasure in heaven. On this account it is worth his
while to forego a little present pleasure, for the sake of ai
immense addition to his future felicity. On this account

alone it is a great misfortune to die young; and on this ac.

count it is, that the hoary head is a crown of glory whu
it ts found in the way of righteousness.

“9, This doctrine suggests to us the importance oj
our present conduct. It instructs that every action we
perform will be followed with consequences reachin:
through future ages, and will have its influence in deter.
mining our place in heaven, or our place in hell; for th
same plan in proportion will extend to the punishment of
demerit as well as the reward of virtue. Every day
we live has its influence on all our future days, every
chord we strike will vibrate through eternity. How dil
gent then should we be that we be rich toward God! If:
merchant, when he is loading his vessel for a foreign
market, were assured that he should receive fivefold for every
article he freighted, how anxious would he be to improve th
occasion, and store his vessel to the utmost of her capac
ity!’ How much more anxious should we be to have ow
lives laden with holiness and crowded with usefulness:
knowing as we do that upon our arrivai at the shores ¢
eternity, we shall receive for it all an unspeakable reward.

Ifa husbandman had but one field, which but one year 11
the course of his life brought him a harvest of golll
how diligent would he be to improve his seed-time, and ti

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CIRISTMAS, QT

le as it Increases have every vacant inch of the ground cultivated ! ! Such a i
sonverted man it field i in such a year is man’s existence ; his life upon earth |
e enjoys, for he 4 the seed time; and a harvest more glorious than one of q
aven, but asi gold shall be cathered in heaven; and ~ whatsoever we
tod, and laying gow that shall we also reap, both in quality and quantity, q
fit is worth his let us be diligent to improve every inch of ground, to fill up a
or the sake of an every moment of time, for in due season we shall reap if i
On this account we faint not. Oh! ifa pang of regret might enter heaven, i
x; and on this ac. if the sich of sorrow might swell the bosom of a glorified i
on of glory wha spirit, it would be to look back on earth and sce opportuni- g
ties of uscfulness neglected, means of grace abused, the
he importance godlike privilege of doing good unembraced, and the seed-
every action wi time for cternity spent in comparative idleness. If you
yuences reaching might by diligence 1° one single day make yourselves
nfluence in deter comfortable and respoc'able for life, would you not gladly
e in hell; for th embrace the opportunity? But is not eternity as much
he punishment ot longer than life as life is longer than a day? and is it not
ue. Every day the lictate of interest to be strenuous through life in
ture days, ever) promotiny your interests for eternity ? Therefore, my
rity. How dil beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always
toward God! If: abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know
hol for a forciyn, that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
e fivefold for every VY. He presented an edifying example, as a good man

beto improve th subjected to severe trials and sufferings, who, while strug-
ost of her caput gling against temptation, trouble and discouragement, held
ve be to have ow fast his integrity, persevered in his endeavors to glorify
1 with usefulness God and promote the happiness and salvation of men, and
was sustained by a lively faith in the divine testimonies
and promises, and the aids of the sanctifying Spirit.
Whether contemplated in his closet, his pastoral labors, his
solitary hours of illness, or his deep afflictions and sepeated
errands to the tomb, when every tie to earth was sundered

bi at the shores «
speakable rewart
ch but one year 1!
harvest of gol
seed-time, and t

ss MEMOIR OF TILE

and the world was crueified to him and he to the world, »
perfect assurance may be felt,that amidst all his loneliness
pain, and sorrow, the insidicas approaches and buffeting
of temptation were resisted with all the energies of his soul,
These griefs and troubles, go far from diminishing his con.
fidence in God, his sense of obligation, and love of duty,
heightened them, and gaye vividness to his perceptions 0!
the evil of sin, the divine excellency of holiness, the glory
of God, and the purity and blessedness of the heavenly state,
He confided with childlike simplicity in the care of Di.
vine Providence. [lis writings abound with indication:
of this, and his experience strikingly manifested the con.
staney and sufficiency of that care. If we consider him a:
a youth born and brought up in what might then }
termed almost a wilderness, with few connections, and ap
parently surrounded by no circumstances calculated t
arouse his genius and prompt him to aspire to high attain.
ments, influence, and usefulness, but on the contrary, me:
at every step by obstacles and discouragements, whiel
would have proved insurmountable to an ordinary mind,
i if we consider him rising superior to these difficulties, ac
: quiring a classical education, aad exciting admiration by
the development of his powers; and when qualified };

his studies, and by the experience of religion, to choose a
employment for life, we behold him deliberately preferrin:

the service of his Saviour in the sacred office, encounterin:

fresh embarrassments, in the way ofa preparation for th’

object, aiming at a high standard of qualifications, «

length succeeding in their attainment, exhibiting a bright

though brief career of ministerial labor and usefulness, ris

ing to eminence in the discharge of his public duties, au!
exerting a wide and valuable influence ; and finally, atte:

Se a ot mm om ll”

» to the world, ¢
all his loneliness,
ys and buffeting
orgies of his soul,
\inishing his con:
nd love of duty,
1is perceptions 0
ioliness, the glory
he heavenly state,
in the care of Di
with indication
anifested the con.
re consider him a
4 night then b
nnections, and ap
ees calculated t
ire to high attain:
the contrary, me!
ragements, whic!
n ordinary mind,
nse difficulties, ac
ng admiration bj
when qualified by
gion, to choose al
perately preferrin:

fice, encounteriv:
eparation for thi
qualifications, *
xhibiting a bright
id usefulness, ms
ublic duties, av!
and finally, atte!

. REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS, 89

during severe trials and sufferings, from loss of health
d the bereavement of all his family, we witness his
cui departure in the joy of the Lord, we may well re-
gard him ashaving richly experienced the care of Providence.
We may regard him as having been brought forward b
an unusual series of events to exert an important agency in
relation to the salvation of many souls, and by his labors
and afilictions to be early prepared for the pure sauces
and enjoyments of the heavenly kingdom. . |
To those who were intimately acquainted with him, who
knew his amiableness, his sincerity, modesty, humility for
bearance, kindness, benevolence, and all those kindred
traits and qualities which were so blended in his character
and shone with so steady alight, and who at the same ine
appreciated his endowments and qualifications for usef .
ness, and his attainments and experience as a minister a
the gospel, it seemed desirable, not indeed for his aa sak
but for others, that his life should be prolonged. <A 1
there was a single reason why longer life was - his a
to be desired, namely as “ affording further spnoiintt of
acting for God, and laying up treasure in heaven.” ie
may it not with propriety be asked, in view of the hae
ter he had formed, and on supposition that health had
been added to his gifts and attainments, and his if
extended to twice or thrice its period, who can im fe
what would have been the extent of his usefulness ? ‘d
heoontinued proportionably to exemplify the fruits of ri "
eousness, and to grow in knowledge and in grace in af :
years, as rapidly as he had done in those of his acti as
Ms eee who will venture to imagine to what eh
ould have glorified God, and promoted the temporal
and spiritual welfare of ai But divine ake
,

90 MEMOIR OF TIE

goodness required him in another sphere; and it remain:
for those who survive, and especially those who are youn
and have health, to fill up, as it were, the measure of hj:
usefulness, and accomplish what, with their opportunity, h.
would have done.

In view of his character and history it were natural 1
bring into comparison those of different classes of men; +
contrast with his their attainments, their supreme object
the manner of exerting their agency, the extent of thei
obedience, and their hopes and prospects for eternity. By
this must be left to individuals, to ministers and laymen
to those who love and obey the gospel, and those wh
supremely love the world; to those who survive of hi
own age and acquaintance, and those who are about t
come forward upon the stage of life, to exert their agen:
as accountable creatures, and form their characters {i
this and the future world. Among all these there suri
will be some who will be aroused by his example, some vi
will be induced to aim at higher attainments in knowleds
virtue, and usefulness ; some who will strive to acqui
in a like degree the chief excellencies of his characte
who will be incited to cultivate his exemplary habit
and like him te avoid offences, and abstain from the ver
appearance of evil. And will there not be some whi
in view of his brightening upward path, will look ba
with painful regrets upon their own past history; sou
perhaps of his acquaintances, whose hearts will sink with:
them as they follow him to the last scene in which he
peared on earth, and feel that he is gone to realise the pu

perfect, and endless happiness which his faith and hy
had anticipated ; while they, not having entered upont:
same path, perceive no ray of light in their own prosptt

and it remain:
y who are youn
» measure of his
: opportunity, hi

were natural |
lasses of men; t
‘supreme object
e extent of thei
oreternity. Bu
sters and laymen
1, and those wh
rho survive of ki
who are about t
exert their agent
ieir characters {i
these there surt]
example, some wl
hents in knowledy
1 strive to acqui
| of his characte
exemplary habit
stain from the ver
ot be some whi
th, will look ba
past history; s0!!
rts will sink with!
ne in which he
to realise the pu!
is faith and ho
ng entered upon t
their own prosp*

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS, 9]
9 «

vof the objects to which they are devoted. If there be one
such, the voice from the dead yet speaking to him is, “ Turn
fe “ ; : ban] ?y
while this impression exists, and with all your heart obey
the gospel, for why will you dic?”
Again, in view of his life and character, a life so brief:
10 Cy ob a ati y 7} !
and yet so expanded with usefulness and promise, and a
7 . ‘ . . . ’ ‘ .
cha racter so mature in Christian experience, and in quali
figations for the duties both of public and private life; we
, " ) } : j
are called on to glorify God for his great goodness to him
“Personally, and through him, to those with whom he was
. immediately connected, and to the world. He an
7. an of the divine favor in every period of his life;
. ; 7" . ee
a close of it, much of the providential goodness of
ae much of his merey, his spiritual influence and
ganctifying grace. lt pleased God 1 i
@ grace. ased God in a conspicuous
ote snore 8 us manner
to show forth the riches of his love and kindness in hi
to wake him the instrument by his example and |] ne on
rom Q 3 e and his active
exertions of great good to others. His exampl i
respects remarkabl fata aay -
> arkably pure and truly Christian ; and no evi-
Mce appears in any of his writings, or in the i
Z... gs, recu.. tlons
e acquainted with him, of any thi
ng cia m, y thing of evil tendency,
| ¢ calculated to excite prejudice against religi
‘be an occasion ofs : ae
ecasion of stumbling and reproach. O
7. ct, ng and reproach. On the contrary
character of his writings, and of his te
manners, to conciliate the feeli a rane
H e) ( © r
OR secret, ofall wt ngs, and win the confidence
a s] : all who came within his influence. There
a sil ity anc sinceri :
~All uplicity and godly sincerity ever beaming forth i
| spirit and deportment, which testified of that wisdor F
: nan
grace which are from above. ‘The reader will see in thi
et 8
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125

6”

G2 MEMOIR OF THE
4

eause for devout and admiring gratitude to the glorious
Author and Source of all good, to the Saviour and the Sanc-
tifier of men: gratitude that he was kept and shielded from
fatal snares and temptations of sin and evil; that he was
awakened to perecive his sinfulness and ill dessert ; that un-
der the influence of the word and spirit of God. he turned
from sin to holiness, obeyed the gospel, and devoted himself
to the glory and service of God; that he was enabled so
happily to exhibit the Christian spirit, to exert an influence
so benign on all around him, and was the instrument ofso
much good to others; and that living and dying he enjoyed
the love of God and the hope of eternal life.

In the contemplation of his history likewise, it is obvious

to consider how much with such a character may be effect- §

ed within a brief space of time. The whole period of his
active usefulness, after he received license to preaeh the

gospel, scareely exceeded five years;-yet, by consecrating him- &

self wholly to his work, and in a spirit of simple dependence

on God, earnestly aiming and desiring to accomplish much, i

and, in short, by making the most of his time, his gifts and
faculties, his acquisitions, his influence, his prayers, his faith,
and his hopes, he effected and was the means of great and
permanent good in different places; exerted a wide and sa-
lutary influence, and exhibited a character and an example

alike creditable to religion and beneficial to man. Hadhe §

aimed at Jess, and given but a wavering and divided atten-
tion to his great object, his life, had forty years been ad-

ded to it, might have been less valuable to himself and the #

world, than it has actually been. While considering hi:
high aims, and the constancy of his purposes, the writer hai
been reminded of what was related to him some years ago,

by the late Rev. Dr. Ryland of Bristol, respecting the pect :

co .

the glorious
and the Sanc-
shielded from

that he was
ssert ; that un-
od: he turned
evoted himeelf
yas enabled so
rt an influence
nstrument of s0
ying he enjoyed

ise, it is obvious

r may be effect: §

le period of his
e to preach the
onseerating him-
mple dependence

ccomplish much, |

ime, his gifts and
prayers, his faith,

ans of great and
bd a wide and s2-

and an example
fo man. Hadhe |
nd divided atten:
y years been ad: §
o himeelf and the
e considering hi
yses, the writer hat
m some years 29° ie
pspecting the pecl: iis

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 93
fiar development of character, and superior attainments and
usefulness, of his carly associates, Carey, Fuller, Sutcliff,
Pearce, and others; namely, that when they were obscure
and without either learning or influence, they agreed toge-
ther, and resolved, after much consideration of the state of
the world and of the cause of religion, to endeavor by the
utmost efforts in their power, respectively ‘TO MAKE THE
MOST OF LIFE ;’ to make the greatest possible attainments
in holiness, and to glorify God and benefit their fellow men
in the highest possible degree. In pursuance of this resolve,
one of the leading objects, which appeared most important
to be undertaken, and which best suited his character, was
referred to each, to be the engrossing object of his exertions.
To Carey it was assigned to lead the way as a missionary
to the heathen—to Fuller, to exert his great powers as a
‘biblical student and theological writer—to Ryland himself,
to occupy the distinguished office of training young men for
‘the gospel ministry—to Pearce, to rouse the public mind to
‘the subject of missions, &c. The extraordinary attainments,
‘influence, and usefulness of these individuals was, without
doubt, owing in a great degree, to the high purposes and
aims which they thus solemnly resolved to pursue with inde-
fatigable constancy and zeal through life.

Finally, this memorial may be fitly closed by adopting,
# with slight accommodation, as appropriate to the subject of
it, some brief extracts from what Fuller and Ryland have
recorded of their friend and associate, Pearce, by whose
death in his thirty-third year they were greatly afflicted.

‘‘ By the grace of God he was what he was; and to the
honor of grace and nut for the glory of a sinful worm, be it
ecorded. Like all other men he was depraved. He felt it,
nd lamented it, and longed to be freed from sin; but cer-

Se eae a enivemerernon Morte ee ee nw oe eee te aoe . tS aT ee RE S a +z - -
sony = RN RE AO OS — EERO, RS iN YE PS ag! TT a + je ¥ - — ow se — — = a ye ey snsuichsiaabanapsigititl a
= ieao~-- — "ata eID meena - se en anes care we eit en
= a ae one tins pogeee— “ -

ree

4 MEMOIR OF THE

tainly, taking him altogether, we have seldom scen a charac-
ter ‘whose excellencfes were so many and so uniform, and
whose imperfections were so few.’ We have seen men rise
high in contemplation, who have abounded but little in action.
We have seen zeal mingled with bitterness, and candor de-
generate into indifference ; experimental religion mixed with
a large portion of enthusiasm, and what is called rational
religion void of every thing that interests the heart of man.
We have seen splendid talents tarnished with insufferable
pride, scriousness with melancholy, cheerfulness with levity,
and great attainments in religion with uncharitable censori-
ousness towards men of low degree; but we have not seen
these things in Christmas.

‘There have been few men in whom has been united a
greater portion of the contemplative and the active; holy |
zeal and genuine candor ; spirituality and rationality ; talents
that attracted almost universal applause, and the most unaf-
fected modesty; faithfulness in bearing testimony against
evil, with the tenderest compassion to the soul of the evil
doer; fortitude that would encounter any difficulty in the
way of duty without any thing boisterous, noisy, or over-
bearing ; deep seriousness, with habitual cheerfulness ; and
a constant aim to promote the highest degrees of piety in
himself and others, with a readiness to hope the best of the
lowest ; not breaking the bruised reed, nor quenching th: §
smoking flax.”—‘ Fuller's Memoir.’

“One thing I will say, which I could say of very few
others, though I have known many of the excellent of the
earth, that I never saw or heard of any thing respecting him
which grieved me, unless it was his inattention to his health.
and that, I believe, was owing toa mistaken idea of his con-
stitution. If any of you know of other faults belonging tc Jam

scen a charac-
uniform, and
seen men rise
little in action.
nd candor de-
on mixed with
salled rational
» heart of man.
th insufferable
ess with levity,
ritable censori-
have not seen

been united a |
1e active; holy |

ionality ; talents
Athe most unaf-
timony against
foul of the evil
ifficulty in the
noisy, or over:
eerfulness ; and
ees of piety in

e the best ofthe §

quenching th

say of very few
excellent of the
» respecting him

ion to his health, a
idea of his con im
lts belonging t¢ §

RKV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 95

him, be careful to shun them, and be sure to follow him
wherein he was a follower of Christ.” —‘ Dr. Ryland’s Ser-

mon.

[The Discourse on Christian Intercession, referred to on
page 28, the Discourse on the Nature of that Inability
which Prevents the Sinner from Embracing the Gospel,
the Farewell Letter to the American Presbyterian So-
ciety of Montreal, and an ex‘ract from the Annals of the
American Pulpit, are successively inserted in the fol-
lowing pages. |

cn nm nn I RT
: et aneedieadeite-c tne ater Ne me + ee

A percent Sater a

ON CHRISTIAN INTERCESSION.

‘6 Making mention of you always in my prayers.”—Rom. i. 9.

THE most careless reader of the epistolary correspondence
of the apostle, cannot fail to remark how often he speaks of
praying for others. Has he been instrumental in planting
an infant church, and does persecution drive him fiom his
beloved charge, with what affection does he commend them
to an ever-present God! Does intelligence reach him of the
prosperity of some distant society of believers, with what joy-
fulness he bows his knees before the God and Father of our
s Lord Jesus Christ,to thank him for thenews,andimplore upon

96 MEMOIR OF THE

his fellow Christians a larger measure of the riches of grace !
The extent, frequency, and fervor of his irtercessions, will
surprise any one who shall be at the pains of examining
the various hints which we have of his performance of this
duty as they lie scattered in various parts of his writings.
Scarcely a letter of his which does not give express asgur.
ance that they to whom it was addressed had an interest
in his daily prayers. Even Philemon, a private Christian
in a distant country, was not forgotten. Nor was it tkose
only whom personal acquaintance had made peculiarly dear
to the apostle, for whom he used his influence at the throne
of grace. Churches he had never visited, cities he had never
seen, find a place in a heart which a divine philantrophy
had enlarged to contain the world. In a letter written to
the Roman Christians, many years before his feet had ever
touched the shores of Italy, he thus speaks: ‘ For God is
my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of
his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you d-
ways in my prayers.”

Permit me, then, to urge upon your imitation this amiab):
trait of that holy man’s character, by suggesting a few ob-
servations on the happy effects which the performance of
this duty would have upon our own minds, and the blessed
results which might be expected on the minds of those for |
whom we pray.

Though this is one of the most noble and disinterested
parts of devotion, I trust there is no impropriety in com-
mencing by a few remarks on the happy influence which

the right performance of this duty would have upon our #

own selves.
We who as dependent creatures are so destitute ourselves, BS
can have little to bestow upon others. The keys which

riches of grace !
vercessions, Will
s of examining
ormance of this
of his writings.
6 express ascur-
had an interest
rivate Christian
lor was it those
. peculiarly dear
ce at the throne
ies he had never
ne philantrophy
letter written to
ris fect had ever
: “ For God is
in the gospel of
ation of you 4:

ion this amiabl:
esting a few ob-
performance of
and the blessed

nd disinterested
opriety in com-
influence which

titute ourselves,

inds of those for §

have upon our |

he keys which

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 97

unlock the treasures of happiness, are in hands mightier
than ours; and however we may pity the sufferings, or
wish to relieve the necessities of others, all that we can or-
dinarily do, is to refer them to the same source whence our
blessings flow. A wish is mostly all that we can give:—
God is the source of all blessing. A wish directed to him
is a prayer :—hence, the most natural and commonly the
only way we have of giving expression to benevolent feel-
ings, is by praying for others. And though in doing this
the benefit of others is our main object, yet we ourselves
are not left without a blessing. The duty is doubly blessed;
it is blessed to him who asks, and in him who receives.
To exercise benevolence in this manner is to increase
benevolence. To increase benevolence is to increase hap-
piness; for what larger ingredient is there in happiness
than benevolence or love. That man is not the happiest,
all whose solicitudes are shrunk up within the narrow com-
pass of his own little self, but he who loves much, and whose
affections light upon many objects. The extension of his
affections does not imply their weakening: these are waters
which spread without becoming shallow. A parent can
love each of the whole circle of his children, with as in-
tense an attachment as he did his first born. We are not
to suppose that our feelings are capable of rising only to a
certain pitch and must there stop; they may be multiplied
as fast as there are lovely objects, and rise in height as long
as new loveliness is unfolded. How boundlessly then
may the soul expatiate in the attributes of Jehovah! He

m who regards every child of Adam as a brother, has a foun-

tain of pleasure which is sealed up to the hater of his spe-
cies. He who uses most of this fountain, will have waters
the most pure, abundant, and refreshing. Benevolence

FS ee

es

Ss MEMOIR OF THR

prompts prayer, prayer promotes benevolence ; and benevo-

lent feelings in exercise are noble, seothing and delightful

Such is the more general operation of the duty upon whic

I insist. A fow of its more particular advantages are

worth mentioning. And, aw
1. It greatly promotes friendship, What more likely

means to strengthen our social attachments, than day after

day to associate them with our holiest feelings, and mingle

them with our brightest hopes? The brighter objects of

heaven throw a pleasing tint on the dark landscapes ot

earth. impressions thus repeated, a friendship thus sanc. &

tified, can be neither transient nor grovelling. Indeed, it
is hard to see how friendship can be satisfactory and com

plete without religious hopes. ‘Two companions destitute Hay
of religious hopes, are like two travellers who are thrown |
together in a public conveyance. They journey together '

fur a short ame, and then part without the expectation of
ever meeting again, If the shortness of life does not prevent
much intimacy among irreligious acquaintances, the speedy
separation of death isust produce a regret unrelieved by
hope, But Christian pilgrims indulge the expectation of
meeting in one common place of everlasting repose. Their
heaven is a social heaven. The company collected will
be all the truly excellent who ever have lived or ever will
live upon the earth, Even here, though a rolling ocean
and ranges of mountains separate them, they may meet
around the same merey-seat. They may even so adjust
their intercessions that the wings of the same moment shall
carry their mutual supplications to the ear of the prayer-
hearing God. This branch of devotion has this advantage
above all others, that the movements of faith are seconded
and stimulated by the warmth of natural. affection.

; and bhenevo-
and delightful.
ty upon whieh

dvantagos are

at more likely
than day after
ga, and mingle
iter objects of
¢ landsoapes of
ship thus sane:
ng. Indeed, it
story and com
nions destitute
yho are thrown
urney together
expectation of
loes not prevent
ices, the speedy
t unrelieved by
expectation of

repose. Ther

y collected will
ved or ever will
a rolling ocean
they may meet
even so adjust
me moment shall
ar of the prayer-
s this advantage
ith are seconded
atural. affection.

»

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS, 99

Too often we are cold and sluggish, we lic becalmed in a
condition more irksome than the turbulence of the tempest.
No sooner, however, do we begin supplicating for dear
frionda, than the cords of affection begin to draw; feeling

-g starts from its slumbers, and a brisk gale fills all our wide-

expanded sails. What has been said may enablo us to es-
timate how egregiously they err who object to tho gospel,
that it does not countenance the cultivetion of friendship.

| Where will you find a more delightful picture of affection-

ato intercourse than that which Luke las drawn of the in-
terview between our Saviour and the two disciples on their
way to Kmmaus? Where, I would ask, in all history, will
you find such instances of noble and self-sacrificing friend-
ship as among the primitive believers ?

would be an effectual antidote to all unhallowed resent-
ment,

He who rises from the suppliant attitude in which he
has just been confessing his own unworthiness and implor-
ing blessings on others, cannot feel disposed to throw poison
into the cup of their happiness. And even if his employ-
ment on his knees has failed to kindle in his heart that
ardor of good-will to all which he onght to feel, yet the
mere desire of consistency will prevent him from throwing
about the firebrands, arrows, and death of slander. Tho
purity of many a reputation, a quietude of neighborhoods,
and the kindness of domestic intercourse, are among the
| blessings flowing from the performance of this duty.

3. It would greatly increase ministerial usefulness.

If the minister of Jesus Christ, like a faithful high
priest, first appeared before the mercy-seat in the most

2. The diligent performance of the duty of intercession’

holy place, with the names of the twelve tribes engraved |

ST ea LE
.
einen es —=—

PTE
pe

AA Ieee 2 —2 FEY

De ee a cee,

100 MEMOIR OF THK

upon his breast-plate, he would, whon he came forth and
stood before the congregation, feel an onlargemont of heart,
a desire of blessing the people, which would impart a spirit
and a pathos to his appeala, and give somo reason to expect
the Lord's blessing, And you, my brethren, who como up
hither, if your closets can testify that you have previously
begged of the Lord that your minister might come forth
in the power of Kling, in the fulness of gospel blessings,
could ye, think you, after such a preparation, join with a
hollow formality, in tho exercises of prayer and praise, give
a careless and distracted attention to tho pulpit exercises, f
and then go empty away without feeling o secret dissatis. |
faction, |

4. The practice of Christian intercossion would animate

‘us to more diligence in promoting the benefit of our fellow.

men,

If an angel from heaven were to overhear the coldest
prayer we ever utter, from an honost interpretuticn of the
language used he might conclude that wo wore just ripe for
the transports of paradise. But we, alas! know the con-
tradiction which subsists between our expressions and
feelings, our prayers and our lives. Stil, without devo-
tional exercises we should be yet more destitute of holy
emotions. The same good effect, we may expect, will follow
the practice of praying for others. To pray for the poor,
the afflicted, the unconverted, and then bo unwilling s0
much as to lift a finger in their behalf, is a contradiction
too gross to be imposed upon ourselves. To commend to
the bounteous Giver of all good those sufferers who are
now feeling all the sad variety of woe, and yet leave the
widow's cruise of oil to be supplied by miracle; to beg
that the day-spring from on high may break upon those

ame forth and
romont of heart,
impart a spirit
ronson to expect
n, who come up
havo previously
ight come forth
ospel blessings,
on, join with a
and praise, give

pulpit exercises, §
an seorot dissatis- |

» would animate |

fit of our fellow:

ear the coldest
pretation of the

voro just ripe for §

| know tho con-
xpressions and
, without devo-
sstitute of holy
pect, will follow
y for the poor,

a contradiction
lo commend to
fferers who are
d yet leave the
miracle; to beg
hak upon those

bo unwilling so

REV. JOSBPH STIDDS CHRISTMAS, 10)

who are sitting in the region and very shadow of death,
and yet be unwilling to throw our superfluous mite into
the missionary treasury, is an imposition too gross to be
played off with comfort on our own hearts, deceitful as they
are. Intercession will cither make us charitablo, or avarice
will clip the wings of intercession, and thus prevent its
lofty soarings, Yet not to stand up with the censer of in-
tercession between the dying and tho dead, not to feel, like
good old Kli, an anxious interest for the fate of the ark in
+ the contest going on between the powers of light and dark-
ness; not to feel an undissembled charity towards all our
brethren and companions in tribulation and in the king-
dom and patience of Jesus Christ, who are everywhere
scattered abroad through the world; not to do this were
at once to relinquish our Christian hopes. Your love of
the duty upon which I am insisting is a test of the sin-
cerity of your piety.
One observation more before I quit this topic. A pecu-
liar blessing is promised to those who take much interest
in the prosperity of Zion, Pray for the peace of Jerusa-
lem, says the Psalmist, all they shall prosper that love thee.
It has been found by experience that those churches which

have done most for the missionary cause have been most
f remarkably blessed of the Lord. It is wor.ny of reco!lec-
tion, that in a certain district of the church in this country
the tokens of the Holy. Spirit’s presence had for some
years been almost withdrawn. A number of sermons
were, by the direction. of the Presbyte. y, preached to excite
their attention to the subject of missiuns, when contrary to
| expectation, each of those sermons was accompanied by
the divine influence and blessing. Let us then be stimu-
lated to the duty of ardent intercession by all those bless-

SS Se SE

102 MEMOIR OF TIE

inge which we may expect it will draw down upon our own
souls, ‘These, though great, very great, constitute, however,
but a small part of that body of motive which should impel
us, like so many Taracls, to wrestle with God until he
grant usa blessing, That is but a meagre account of the
benefits of prayer which restricts them to the good effect
which the mere performance of the duty has upon ourselves
This sceptical view of the subject would cut all the nerves
of exertion, put out all the fires of devotion. What a faree
would it be for me to pray for others, when all that |
expected was some benefit for myself! This, my breth.
ren, is not the scriptural doctrine, The testimony of God
assures us that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous
man availeth much, It is exemplified in the case of Elias,
who though a man subject to like passions with yourselves,
prayed God that it might not rain, and it rained not for
the space of three years and a half; and he prayed again
that it might rain, and the heavens gave rain and the
earth brought forth her inerease, Let us rest. satisfied,
then, that our prayers are heard, and if properly offered,
will be answered. Let us, then, in the second place, be
stirred up to the performanco of the duty of intercession,
by a view of the blessings we may expect will descend upon
others.

The largest and most oxtensive blessing which can be
expected, is the universal spread of knowledge, religion,
and happiness. I know, indeed, a species of unbelief is
apt to assault the Christian’s mind when he approaches so
grand a subject. It is not because he considers the moral
renovation of the world a work impossible with God. No!
The wonders of every spring assure him that he who re-
news the face of creation can work a not more surprising

) Upon our own
titute, however,
oh should impel
. God until he
ynccount of the
the good effect
upon ourselves,
ut all the nerves
. What a farce
whon all that I
This, my breth.
ostimony of God
roof a righteous
he case of lias,
with yourselves,
it rained not for
he prayed again
‘0 rain and the
ns rest satisfied,
properly offered,
second place, be
of intercession,
ill descend upon

12 which can be
ledge, religion,
s of unbelief is
@ approaches so
siders the moral
with God. No!
that he who re:
more surprising

REV, "OSEPH ATIBDS CHRISTMAS, 10%

change in the hearts of all mankind, Jehovah hath spoken
ylorious things of Zion, and his word ia a firm basis of
hope. Let us encourage ourselves by frequently meditating
on the glory of the latter days, Summon to your view all
those images of delight which sacred deseription has clus.
tered around those “scenes surpassing fable and yet true,”’

(Consider the worth of one immortal soul—of millions of

immortal souls. Consider tho distance between those
depths of misery to which they are exposed, and those
heights of heaven to which they may be raised, and then,
then I shall not need to press upon you the duty of inter-
cession, If ever there was a timo when Christians were
called upon to send up their united crics to the ear of the
Lord of hosts, for the conversion of the world, it is nov ;
now that the period for the introduction of the millenial
glory is just at hand ; now that the Church is just begin.
ning to feel its obligations to spread the gospel ; now that
the Lord has in a most glorious manner appeared for the
onlargement and prosperity of his kingdom.

ea in a la i ee ee
=

pacer

‘
es rE AT SR et PA RLU I cg

1lu4 MEMOIR OF THE:

A DISCOURSE

ON THB

NATURE OF THAT INABILITY WHICH PREVENTS THE SIN-
NER FROM EMBRACING THE GOSPEL:.

BEING THB

SUBSTANCE OF TWO SERMONS

PREACHED IN
THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

MONTREAL, DEC. 9,.1827.

Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life.—John v. 40.
In connection with

No man can come unto me, except the Father, which hath sent me,
draw him,—John vi. 44.

THERE are two leading views in which the subject of
man’s religious obligation is regarded. The one considers
sin as a misfortune which is to be pitied ; the other as -
fault which is to be blamed. The one regards man as un
able to comply with God’s commands; and therefore not
bound to doso. The other regards him as able, but un-
willing, and nevertheless bound. The first considers it his
duty to do what he can, that is, discharge the social and
moral duties of life, control his external deportment, and
give a diligent attendance on the ordinances of religion, till

ENTS THE SIN-
PEL :.

IONS

N CHURCH.

e.—John v. 40.

ich hath sent me,

the subject of
he one considers

che other as °
ards man as un
d therefore not
as able, but un-
considers it his
the social and
eportment, and
s of religion, till

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 105

God shall enable him tx do more. The seeond view of the
subject, esteeming the precepts of God concerning all things
to be right, considers man under unalterable obligations to
do whatever he commands, that he has power already con-
ferred on him to do his whole duty, and that while he re-
mains averse to its performance, his praying for assistance
is worse than useless. The supporters of the first view, to
be consistent, either deny that God commands unrenewed
men to be holy, or acknowledging that he does, deem it
impossible, and therefore unfair; while the supporters of
the second maintain, that the Most High does demand holi-
ness of unholy men, acknowledge the possibility of com-
pliance with the demand, and perceive and insist on its
fairness and equity. These several views are held by

@ Calvinistic and orthodox divines, in all branches of the

Presbyterian Church, both in the eastern and western hemi-
spheres. Though they may not all push their sentiments
quite to the extremes which I have stated, yet every think-
ing Christian must, and does adopt principles which clearly
involve the whole of one or the other of these systems.
It need not be said, that the difference between the two is
| wide: that it is a difference of great practical importance
and one that meets us at almost every turn. It would be
prejudging the case, to ask those who are in the habit of
reading the Scriptures, which is there presented, but the
bare statement of the question informs us which side of it
reflects the most blame on the sinner, and the most glory
to God: a circumstance which, to an humble mind, affords
strong presumptive evidence of the truth. j

The whole difference between these schemes, lies in the

me ipprehension of the nature of that inability, which pre-

vents a sinner from complying with the commands of God.

MI

= Tk oe eR a eters 8
itp 4 iN eR MER i aN
- poten ee ms oe

106 | MEMOIR OF THE

The one maintains that itis a natural inability, which he
cannot help; and the other, that it is a moral inability, @
which he will not help. Ifthe truth on this point can be
satisfactorily ascertained, all the other consequences involv.
ed will easily follow, and the correctness ofone or the other
of the systems be determined. If our investigation should
prove successful, I trust that we shall not regret having
occupied a portion of this holy day, with the consideration
of the subject.

It will be, first of all, necessary to have clear concep.
tions of the distinction between natural and moral ability.
Natural or physical ability is our power to do a thing,
which we have by the very constitutions of our natures,
whether it refer to our mental faculties, or bodily abilities,

Wie or our opportunities to use them. Moral ability is our
Bie inclination to do a thing, and is irrespective of our power.

| | This kind of ability is called moral, because the inclination

1 eh is that on which the moral character of the agent, the good
q| and evil of his actions depend. Perhaps a few illustrations

nition, however accurate. A man who has the use of his
limbs, has natural ability to walk, but he may, from some
cause operating on his inclination, be unwilling to move a
step. He is now morally unable. Again, ne may have a
great desire to walk, and not have the use of his limbs, He
is, in that case, morally able and naturally unable to walk.
When the mariners in the vessel which contained Jonah,
rowed hard to bring it to land, but could not, it was through
o natural inability. When Joseph’s brethren hated him
so, that they could not speak peaceably to him, it was |
through a moral inability. It is by a natural inability,
that a blind man cannot see. It was by a moral inability,

i | { may convey a better idea of the distinction, than any def.
|
t

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS.

107:

bility, which he
moral inability,
is point can be
quences involv.
one or the other
stigation should
ot regret having
1¢ consideration

that some of whom an apostle speaks, had “‘ eyes full of adul-
tery, that could not cease from sin.” A drunkard has
natural ability to abstain from spirituous liquors, as well
as from any other poison ; but when, through strength of
appetite, he is unable to forbear, it is a moral inability to
abstain, It is an instance of natural inability, that men
cannot make a hair of their head white or black, or add a
cubit to their stature; and of moral inability, that an
affectionate child cannot wantonly disobey its parents, or a
malicious man cannot desire the prosperity of his enemy.
Now, though it sound like an inaccuracy, to say, that a
man is unable to do what he is merely unwilling to do, yet,
through the poverty of human language, it is customary
with all persons so to speak. How common is it for a per-
son to say, that he cannot do what he is merely strongly
averse to? I tell you to thrust your hand into the fire.
You reply that you cannot :—you cannot think of such a
thing. Now it is evident, that you have the natural abi-
lity to doit. You can move your hand in the direction of
the fire, as easily as in any other direction. All you mean
by saying you cannot, is that you are strongly averse to
it:—in other words, you are morally unable. When you
hear a recital of some shameful or cruel conduct, you
exclaim, “Oh! J could not have acted so :’’—not meaning
that you ‘have not powers of body and mind, to have perpe-
trated the atrocity, but that it would have been altogether
contrary to your feelings and inclination. In accordance
with this method of speaking, so common among men, is
the Bible written. Thus the Redeemer said, ‘ No man
can come unto me, except the Father, which hath sent me,
: draw him :”"—that is, every one is 80 strongly averse to
- coming to me, that he cannot, or more strictly, will not

e

ve clear concep.
1d moral ability.
to do a thing, |
of our natures,
bodily abilities,
al ability is our
ve of our power.
se the inclination
agent, the good
few illustrations
n, than any def-
s the use of his
may, from some
rilling to move a
he may have a
f his limbs. He
unable to walk.
ontained Jonah,
pt, it was through
hren hated him
to him, it war §
hatural inability,
moral inability,

108 MEMOIR OF TH

dome anto me, exeept the Mather draw him, or overeonne
his repugnanee, by the aweet and powerful eonatrainta of
hia grace, Tn exact agreement with thia interpretation,
are the words of him who never uttered an ineautiona ex
preasion, and who waa alwaya perfbotly consistent with him
soll: © Ve eff? not come unto me, that ye might have lite.”
nv declaration whieh in the original, atill more emphatically
attributes their not coming, ton wantof will, than the Mn
lish auxiliary verb, whieh penerally implies nothing more
than the certain (iturition of the event:—" Ve are not will
tng to come unto me, that ye might have life,”

Having stated and explained the distinetion between na.
tural and moral ability, T observe, that the inability whieh
prevents a sinner Crom embracing the Gospel, muat be ofone
kind or the other, and matntain, that it is of the latter
kind,—that all men are naturally able to come to God, and
that the only reason why they do not, is that they are
morally unable or unwilling to do ao,

We are here met at the very outset, with a prejudice
against all such distinetions, as a mere metaphysical refine:
nent, whieh few can understand, and if understood, of no
importance ; for if men are unable, they areunable, whether it
arises from a physical or moral cause, Tfany choose, he is at
liberty to eall the distinetion nice and metaphysical, but it is
a distinetion still, whieh is obvious to every capacity, and
whose importance is daily felt in the transactions of sovicty.
For instance, if one of your children has broken somo valuable
article, would it be a metaphysical nicety in you to inquire
whether it was an accidental thing, which could not be help-
ed, or whether it was done wantonly and willingly ? Does
not the very child perceive the distinction ? and if he can,
will avail himself of it, and never fail to plead that he did

yor overeottive
conatrainta of
terpretation,
TMOMUEh OMA OX
Hen willy tim
ght have tite.”
© emphatically
than the Wn
nothing more
Venre nod will
i
on between na.
inability whieh
must be ofone
a of the Intter
me to God, and
that they are

th a prejudice
physical retine:
loratood, of no
able, whether it
hoose, ho is at
rysioal, but it is

capacity, and
ions of society.
p somo valuable
you to inquire
ild not be help-
lingly ? Does

nd if ho can,
d that he did

REV, JOBE ATINNA CHRIATM AS 19

not intend it, and could not help it--and ia not this the
very distinetion between natural and moral ability ? Again,
when an erlininal ia arraigned at court for killing a follow
man, ia it a matter of too tatoh metaphyaionl nisety for the

jury to inquire whether it waa an nosident which ould not

be helped, or a wilful murder whieh hind heen freely intend
od) in other words, whether it preceded from a natural or
moral inability to do othorwiae 7

But the distinotion is no loss important than it ia obvi
oud, Does your child think it ia of no importance towarda
establishing his innosenos, and would he not justly complain
did you punish him as severely for an oversight, or acei-
dont, as for wanton and intentional mischief, and if such
wore your genoral procedure, would he not lose all confidence
in your justioo? And might not the accused at the bar
hittorly complain of the judge, who should refuse to make
suoh a distinotion, hy saying, that ifthe man was killed, he
was killed, and it would not alter the event, to determine
whothor it was dono voluntarily, or accidentally ? And why
should it bo deemed of no importance to ascertain whother
men’s continuance in sin be from anatural inability, a cause
which they cannot help, or from a moral inability which they
will not help? Men indeed continue in sin, whether the
sause bo of a natural or moral kind ; but is the distinction
of no importance towards determining their guilt? No
man who thinks at all, can think #0. Sinners do, without
-xception, perceive the bearing of the question, and when
urged with the immediate obligation of duty, atternpt to
fasten the blame of non-compliance upon their natural ina-
bility. They perceive, that if it can be shown to proceed
from their moral inability or unwillingness, that they are
stripped of every cloak for their sin. They are quick to

alsa gs Pe iE sc a MS Aha

110 MEMOIR OF THE

discern that the distinetion forces upon them an irresistible
conviction of guilt, which they would gladly avoid, So
long as they can exouse themselves by throwing the blame
on something beyond their control, they rest enry. Hence
that rooted aversion to the doctrine, which must have for-
cibly struck the mind of every one who has conversed much
with impenitent persons on the subject of their personal
obligations. Hence their unwillingness to admit a truth,
which shows their hiding place to be a refuge of lies. But
they must see it if they are ever to be brought to a state of
conviction. Of such deep and practical importance is the
doctrine. I know of none more so. Without it, I should
be perfeetly unable to justify the ways of God to man, [|
should feel myself in the situation of one of Pharaoh’s task-
masters ; and rather than hear the keen retort, “ There is
no sivaw given unto thy servants to make brick,” and be
sensible that it was well founded, I would resign the service,
Without it, | should not know how to acquit the ever.
blessed God of being a hard master, gathering where he had
not strewed, and reaping where he had not sown.

We will now attend to the evidence, which directly proves
that men have natural ability perfectly to love and obey
God, and comply with the gospel.

I argue it from the fact that God has commanded it. It
will not be doubted that the Supreme Lawgiver enjoins men
to love him with all their heart, with all their soul, with all
their mind, and with all their strength, and their neighbor
as themselves ; that he commands all men every where, to
repent, and return to him with their whole heart; that he
commands them to believe the gospel under pain of damna-
tion, and to be holy, even as he is holy, and to have holy
and new hearts, that is, to be in the possession of holy feel-

an irresistible
ly avoid, Ro
ing the blatie
enry. Hence
nust have for-
versed much
their personal
dmnit a truth,
eof lies. But
ht to a state of
portance in the
ut it, I should
mi to man, |
Jharaoh’s task-
ort, There is
prick,” and be
ign the service,
quit the ever:
where he had
sown,
directly proves
love and obey

manded it. It
ror enjoins men
ir soul, with all
heir neighbor
rery where, to
ieart; that he

pain of damna-

to have holy
on of holy feel:

REV, JOSEPH ATINHSA CHRISTMAS. 111

ings, without delay, ‘ Ciroumcise yourselves,’
“and take away the foreskins of your hearts, ye men of
Jerusalem, and inhabitants of Judah.” “O Jerusalem! wash
thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved.”
“Onst away your transgressions, whereby ye offend, and
make you a new heart and anew spirit, for why will ye
die?’ ‘ Repent and be converted, that your sins may be
blotted out.” Bolieve on the Lord Jesus Christand thou
shalt be saved.”’ “ Let the wicked forsake his way, and the
unrighteous man his thoughts.” ' Rend your hearts, and
not your garments,” “ purify your hearts, ye double mind-
ed.” “And this is his commandment; that we should
believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and love one
another.” ‘To these might be added a vast many other
passages, indeed all the precepts of scripture which enjoin
holiness in general, or some of its particular branches. Now
I appeal to you, whether God will ever command what it is
impossible for men to perform. Can you for a moment
suppose, that the Judge of all the earth will require of
men what is beyond their strength, and that under the pe-
nalty of his everlasting displeasure? Then, indeed, are the
complaints which sinners make against the Most High, for
the strictness of his law, well-founded. And can you believe
that men are in the right, and Jehovah’s conduct infinitely
inthe wrong? “ Far be it from God that he should do
wickedness, and from the Almighty, that he should commit
iniquity!’ ‘ What shall we say then? is there unrighteous-
ness with him ? God forbid ! yea, let God be true, and every
man a liar.” Whatever be the consequence, we will, with
Elihu, “ascribe righteousness to our Maker.’ We are now
prepared to see the force of the following argument.

God will not command what men are unable to perform.

saya he,

4
‘
e%
Ls
:

1\" AVVO AU ENED COR tte

Wt We deoa eon den te tise Whine, Pepernh, ne
owe the pivayrel

Viortiove wren av ality tee Tetes Milne eecponnnt, til enna tinnten
We prvayet

There ane tire Wee fie whbel tien We benph be ments che
iyo oof tte wemetita, The bat ba (Nat we onda tinal

BATAILLE LAL TCL AL LL

eomrond, etell evoetines, eter haerending

)

amaoledey We eee

Vy anaveer te ite akpewtian, Po aeitet (net atte, ele
Have Wo deposition ty dey ¢hat Adii'a enmeiet the
a poes Tae wot egplatied Aone, doe have any of thet
oxpositore cenedeedod: fy heen wdae nbaee wbat te
Written oom eho Hvmated: te Gi vary (i pertnint ania
qirenees Te hae broth we tite hit etiate de wlilel: every
Niven beta fe horn, and ane tp tntose aeeenedgi preteen
iterpose, WH a Heart appemed te tifa dainty ated to God
Rt deemed wid propriety he adined, (hat the (ll hae
Aepniwwd we of power to keep ¢he enna of God
Vi has, Then our probation and peaponaibility: enme oan
Om an Adam, and dhene te ne ame Chdige te ereticr? ave in
the word Th owe hast ove pawer to obey fi our fret
Parent, thea our probation and responsibility came tos an
ded wn him. Udo net Anew of aie priieipte plaiier, (han
Thad erommbabiity te Qoamded on power to obey. or of any
more abeand, than that a epeatai feapable of aeting
shoud be pat on probation That natunal ability: és the
Rrdation of pagponsibility, te evident (hone the thet every
where tameht ta the word of God, that he inereage of
madara shiv eontdrs a proportional tnerease of responsi
Dv. We who receives five talents, has Ave times the
ragpomatwadty of how who reveives but one ¢ The servant

Ta nil

vt nil wtnbonen

yt te wenele che
t we velotoally
eee ered thee
ee ee ereri dy

at atnte, lat |
a eesynelnpenh tlhe
ve vy of thet
vbw wht te
WpEr link eta
sty whieh every
evened peer
Wy nd toy God
nt (he Ol hve
da al God
ity eine fan
ve erefire? ave in
oy in our net
lity wave Goan
lw plainer, (han
yey yor of any
able of neting
\ ability is the
h the thet every
We inerease of

ree of PoRpoNst
five times the
“The servant

Hey PO rete CNOA ttt

vehi Meterewe Tita trimeton’a wlll, ard deee ib rat, ehall be
henton with nme mbedped OPP DP had fot eaten
apieslenne bey Phere, Whey Hed cot deed ie DP fee tnerenne of
To LLL Nilliwe nt dnerenme OF pererer, then eerie
Hou ree Of proer Te tteneniney be ccnetitiite the ecnniinentee
dened ef penpurened Tie, Wik AP ores Tet nll cee porwr in
Addai, we finee nee eomperatbi ity, Pleven nk Ohad, heey
over, MUTE deetn ta neconibibie, nnd doe he nb dealers,
that the welliee of one wtornity what) be determined hy
aie mien preemie condiet ? Nay, deed he not lag the whale
alread HH Hite Gave porantial ehimmnaior, nnd oan it hie ahorwny
Hint mie one weet ever Tomk foe Acer’ eine 7

Agnin, if we loath ie Addin all power te ohegy, there ia
reo miele Chine ne meted tenenageremedcrny tne the oerld Kee
the ‘oma of power thom nang nll onpneity for inning As
ain ian brenoh of obligation, and obligation ia fonnded et
power, there oan he no ain whore there ia no power, Of
we lind power in Adatn, wo were then responsible snd
capable of aianing. EP that power waa dewtrayod in his
tranagroasion, we theneeforth beanme forever inoapable of
notinl tranagroaaion, and there had heen no sin eotmmitted
in the world sine our common nnoestor plucked the for
hidden fruit, You peresive the abeurdity involved in the
supposition, This throwing the fault on the transgreasion
of Adam, ia only reviving & proverb for whieh God se
severely reproved the Jews, ‘Our fathers have eaten
our grapos, and their ohildren's teeth are set on edge.”
Has not God desided the question, by saying, ‘ All souls
are mino: as the soul of the father, so also, the soul of
tho son is nino? ‘The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The
son shall not boar the iniquity of the father; neither shall
the fathor bear the iniquity of theson. The righteousness

ate ye anne es ar rr NR

RU ARMs MEE et als Be MK nae

Mgrsecp a ierareve Li the
F are Fie in aio _ .
ELT IR ne ag i A A Eas Om SN

114 MEMOIR OF THE

Of the righteous shall be apon him; and the wickedness
of the wieked ahall be upon bin,”

That present ability ia the only ground of present obli
ation to keep the sommanda of God, may be farther
illustrated in this manner, Upon the declaration of war,
a ortison mutilates his person, in order that he may not be
draughted on military serviee, Now the man deserves to
be punished, to the full extent of his guilt, for inonpacitat
ing himeelf for the service of his country, But after he
has become mutilated, it would not be right to require of
him the service of an able-bodied man, and punish him for
not rendering it. He deserves punishment for cutting off
his foot, for instance; but it would be tyrannical to re
quire him to walk after it was cut off. Tn like manner, if
Adam when he first sinned, deliberately deprived himself
and all his posterity of the power of future obedience, for
that sin he richly deserved to be punished; but it would
not be equitable to require any further obedience of him.
Por the one act by which he destroyed his power to walk
in the ways of obedience, he is to blame ; but he is not to
blame for not walking in them after he has lost the power,
It is evident, however, that God did require obedience of
Adam after his fall, and that he does still require holy
Obedience of his fallen descendants, which upon every
principle of equity, proves that, though they have lost the
will to obey, they did not lose the power, on which every
just command is founded.

The second way in which men ovade tho force of the
argument for natural ability, as it is inferred from. the
commands of God, is by saying, that though we are not
able to obey, God has promised to give strength to those
who ask him. They maintain that the character of God

he wickedness

f present obli
ny be further
ration of war,
he may not he
an deserves to
for inonpacitat
But after he
t to require of
puniah him for
for cutting off
rannioal to re
like manner, if
eprived himeelf
» obedience, for
; but it would
sdienge of him.
power to walk
mut he is not to
loat the power.
‘oe obedience of
Il require holy
sh upon every
y have lost the
n which every

o force of the
red from the
gh we are not
rength to those
racter of God

REV, JOSRPH ATINNS ORRIATMAS, 116

ia cleared from the imputation of commanding an impossi
bility, by the promise of supernatural strength to those
who nak it of him.

To thin evasion L have four objeotions, each of which to
my mind appears aubstantiol In the first place, it mia
takes the nature af that atrength which the grace of Cod
confers. The influences of the Spirit do not communicate
any new physical strength to the froulties of the mind.
Siu does not consist in a weak understanding, or memory,
or judgment, nor does grace strengthen any old faculty, or
communicate any new one. Tt merely leads to a right use
of what is already possessed. It inclines ita subject to do
what he was previously able to do. A person after con-
version hos no better talonts, and no other powers of body
or mind, than what he had while unconverted. But this
he has—he has a differont disposition, # new inclination to
lay himself out for the glory of God. The evasion them
is incorrect in stating that man stands in need of, and ask-
ing shall receive, that which the grace of God never con-
fors, viz., now natural «bility for the performance of duty.

In the second place, the evasion is objectionable, inas-
much as it involves the contradiction of supposing that the
sinner does that in order to obtain grace, which it is morally
impossible for him to do until he first have grace. It sup-
poses that before he can repent he must pray for grace,
while it is certain that he cannot pray for grace without
having first repented. What does the asking for grace
mentioned in the evasion mean? A mere utterance of the
words of prayer? ‘That surely will not be pretended. Or

| does it mean the acceptable prayer of sincerity and faith ?

But that prayer is never offered by the unrenewed man,
nor can it be while he continues such. The evasion sup-

0 PR Rigs AA ee lg ttre
eee as
‘a ta ary at nl on rn

meta
’ nae

Peper oie: nemo

“3 — int

a Cn a IN RE EE Tet iia 2

116 MEMOIR OF THE

poses God to have given a law which man cannot keep
without grace, that grace is only to be obtained by prayer,
and yet prayer ulways pre-supposes grace! It attributes
to God the conduct of one who should command a man
without legs to walk, and then upon his complaining of the
command on account of his inability, to alleviate his situa.
tion, should command him to walk to him, and he would
then give him the power of walking!

In the third place, I object to the evasion that if it be
true that a man cannot repent without supernatural
strength, and that this can only be obtained by asking
God for it, that the only thing which the sinner is bound
to do is to ask; that the whole of his duty is narrowed
down to that one act. He is not bound to repent before
he asks, for upon the supposition he is unable; nor is he
bound after he asks, for if God hears his prayer, he already
repents, and if God does not hear his prayer, he cannot
help it. But I need not inquire, whether the duty of
prayer is the only duty enjoined in the scriptures.

In the fourth place, I object to the evasion as derogu-
tory to the character of God, and subversive of the nature
of grace. It supposes the Supreme to have given a law
which men cannot keep, and then to clear himself, pro-
mises grace to help them out, It makes the divine pro-
cedure like that of a king who should levy a tax beyond
the resources of his subjects, and should then justify him-
self by permitting them to draw on the royal treasury
enough to satisfy the demand. Such a procedure is no
less subversive of the character of grace. The very term
grace implies that it is purely gratuitous, and might be
justly withheld. But if grace be necessary to obedience,
then justice obliges God to confer it, and grace is no more
grace, but a mere debt.

n cannot keep
ned by prayer,

It attributes
ommand a man
ipluining of the
viate his situa-
, and he would

on that if it be
t supernatural
ined by asking
sinner is bound
ity is narrowed
to repent before
nable; nor is he
ayer, he already
ayer, he cannot
her the duty of
ptures.
asion as derog-
pe of the nature
ve given a law
ar himself, pro-
the divine pro-
ya tax beyond
en justify him-
royal treasury
procedure is no
The very term
and might be
to obedience,
trace 1s no more

REV. JOSEPH ST!BBS CHRISTMAS, 117

It still remains true, for aught that has yet appeared to
the contrary, that the sinner has power to love God,
repent, and embrace the gospel, according to the com-
mandments of the Most High. This truth is confirmed
by many positive texts of scripture, which attribute the
impenitence of sinners, not to a want of ability, but to a
want of inclination, or the depravity of the will. ‘Oh fool-
ish people, and without understanding, which have eyes,
and see not, which have ears, and hear not.” “Son of
man! thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious people,
which have eyes to see, andsee not ; they have ears to hear,
and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.” * Briug
forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that
have ears.” “ They are like the deaf adder that stoppeth
her ears, which will not hearken to the voice of the char-
mers charming never so wisely.” ‘ Those mine enemies,
that would not that [ should reign over them, bring hither,
and slay before me.” “ This is the condemnation, that
light is come into the world, and men Jove darkness rather
than light, because their deeds are evil. For every one
that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved.” ‘OQ Jerusalem ! Jeru-
salem ! how often would I have gathered your children
together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her
wings, and ye would not.” “Ye will not come unto me,
that ye might have life.” All these authorities ascribe
the sinner’s impenitence to a voluntary disinclination, and
not to a want of ability. But here we shall be told, that
there is another class of texts which assert his positive dis-
ability ; such as these: ‘‘ No man can come unto me, ex-
cept the Father which hath sent rae draw him.” ‘“ How
can ye, being evil, speak good things?’ ‘ How can ye

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118 MEMOIR OF THE

believe which receive honor one of another, and seek not
the honor which cometh from God only?” “ Having eyes
full of adultery, which cannot cease from sin.”

“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit
of God; neither can he know them, because they are spirit.
ually discerned.” The remarks already made have given
us a clue, I trust, to the meaning of such passages, which

must be interpreted in accordance with the other texts }

already adduced, as the Bible nowhere contradicts itself,
When the Redeemer says, “ no man can come unto me,’

he himself interprets it by saying “ ye will not come unto J

me that ye might have life.” Instances without number
may be adduced from the inspired volume, in which the

word cannot is used to denote nothing more than a strong im

disinclination. ‘Haste thee, escape thither,” said the
engel to Lot, “ for I cannot do anything till thou be come

thither.”’
“The tabernacle of the Lord and the altar of burnt-

offering were at Gibeon ; but David could not go before it |

to inquire of the Lord, for he was afraid, because of the
sword of the angel of the Lord.” ‘“ Can that which is uv.
savory be eaten without salt?” ‘ My iniquities have taken
hold of me, so that I am not able to look up.” “I am s0
troubled that I cannot speak.” ‘The Lord hath spoken,
who can but prophesy?” “ This isa hard saying, who cw
hear it?’ Joseph’s brethren hated nim, and “ could not
speak peaceably unto him.”

But are not sinners compared to dry bones—very dry
in the valley of vision ? - Can any thing more fully express
an cntire destitution of power and life? Aid natural
men are said too, to be ‘dead in trespasses and sins,’
and what power can be attributed to the dead? Upons

(rd

, and seek not
“ Having eyes

in.”

igs of the Spirit

they are spirit:

ade have given

passages, which

the other texts }

ontradicts itself.
come unto me,’

Jl not come unto J

without number
ne, in which the
re than a strong
ither,” said the
ill thou be come

e altar of burnt:

not go before it |

i, because of the
hat which is uv-
uities have taken
up.” “Tams
ord hath spoken,

saying, who ca
, and ‘could not

bones—very dry
hore fully express
? Aud natural
asses and sins,

dead? Upons

| tion of the third part of that work.

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS, 119

little reflection, all this admits ‘of a very satisfactory luci-
dation, Sinners are as destitute of every holy feeling and
every gracious emotion, as the dry and scattered bones of
those who have been long dead are of every vestige of ani-
mation, and can no more be renewed and sanctified by any
application of the means than that crumbling skeletons
should hearken to the prophet’s call and awaken into life.
In like manner, to be dead in trespasses and sins, is to be
destitute of all the vitality of holiness, not to be wanting
in capacity for holy duties. Their capacity is implied in
the exhortation, ‘‘O dry bones! hear the word of the
Lord,” and in the call to the unconverted, ‘ Awake thou
that slegpest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall
give thee light.” Being dead in sin, necessarily implies

§ being alive to sin, and the exercise of those faculties and

powers which employed in a different way would be a new
life unto righteousness.

There is yet another objection to the doctrine of man’s
having all necessary ability to obey God, which will arise

-_ in the minds of some in this form. “ It cannot be that I
mm have ability to love and obey God; for I know I have the

will, and yet I do it not. If I have wished for any thing,
I have wished that I might repent and believe, but still I
find I cannot. Though I have sincerely desired it, and
made many earnest endeavors after it, I am still as far from
believing and repenting as ever.” Correct conceptions of
the nature of the desires and endeavors ot’ the unrenewed
would effectually show you that this plea is ill-founded.
This subject has never been set in a clearer light than by
President Edwards, in his Inquiry into the Freedom of the
Will. I will quote a part of what he says in the fifth sec-

120 MEMOIR OF THK

V, What ia here supposed, is a great mistake and gros

absurdity ; even that men may sincerely choose and desire

those spiritual duties of love, acveptanee, choice, rejection,
Xe, consisting in the will itself, or in the disposition and
inclination of the heart; and yet not be able to perform or
exert them. This is absurd, because it is abaurd to suppose
that a man should direetly, properly, and sincerely ineline
to have an inclination, which is at the same time contrary
to his inclination; for that is to suppose him inelined to
that whieh he is not inelined to. Tf a man, in the state
and acts of his will and inelination, does properly and direct.
ly fall in with those duties, he therein performs them ; for
the duties themselves consist in that very thing: they con:
sist in the state and acta of the will being so formed and
directed. If the soul properly and sincerely fille in witha
certain proposed act of the will or choice, the soul therein
makes that choice its own, Kiven as when a moving body
falls in with a proposed direction of its motion, that is the
same thing as to move in that direetion,

«2, That which is called a desire and willingness for
those inward duties, in such as do not perform them, has
respect to those duties only indirectly and remotely, and is
improperly represented as a willingness for them, not only
because it respects those good volitions only in a distant
view and with respect to future time; but also because ever:
more not these things themselves, but something else that
is foreign and alien, is the object that terminates their
volitions and designs,

‘A drankard who continues in his drunkenness, being
under the power of a love and violent appetite to strong
drink, and without any love to virtue; but being also ex:
tremely covetous and close, and very much exeroised and

|
REV. JOSHPEH STIBRS CHRIST WAS Al |
i
atake and gros i crieved at the diminttion of tis estate, and the prospoot of if
vose ant desire poverty, may ina sorh desire the virtue of temperance; and 1 |
wie, rejection, though his present willis to gratify his extravagant appetite, .
disposition and yot he may have a wish to forbear future nots of intempe a
le to perform or | oranee, and forsake his excesses, through an unwillingness : i
aur to stippose . to part with his money: but still goos on with his drunken dl :
incerely incline im ness: his wishes and endeavors are insufficiontand ineffeotaal: y
e time contrary P ocneh aman has no proper, dircet, and sincere willingness to : |
him inelined to forsake his view, and the vicious deeds that belong to it; for 4
an, in the atate & he nets voluntarily in continuing to drink to excess: his i
perly and direct. desire is very improperly termed a willingness to be tempe i
forme them; for @ m orite, itis no trie desire of that virtue; for it is not virtue tl
thing: they con: that terminates his wishes ; nor have they any direct respect i |
reo formed and Ba atalltoit. [tis only the saving his money, and avoiding 4
ly falle in with poverty, that terminates and exhausts tho whole strength of Hi
the soul therein his desire, ‘lho virtue of temperanoo is regarded only |
vaimoving body J very indireotly and improperly, even as a necessary means 4
tion, that is the | of yratifying the vice of covetousness.

“So aman of an exceeding corrupt and wicked heart,

1 willingness for who has no love to God and Jesus Christ, but, on the con
‘form them, has trary, being very profunely and carnally inclined, has the
remotely, and is B vroatest distaste of the things of religion, and enmity
‘them, not only against them; yet being of a family that from one yvenera
nly in a distant BM tion to another, have most of them died in youth, and of an

hlso because ever. hereditary consumption, and so, having little hope of living
ething else that Ha long ; and having been instructed in the necessity of supreme
terminates their love to Christ, and gratitude for his death and sufferings,
in order to his salvation from eternal misery; if, under
these circumstance, he should, through fear of eternal
» torments, wish he had such a disposition; but his profane
and carnal heart remaining, he continues still in his habitual
- distaste of, and enmity to God and religion, and wholly
I

nkenness, being
petite to strong
t being also ex

h exereised and

19 ARATE OR TH

without any exereise of that love and gratitude, (ina dowhe
Jose the very devila themeaelvea, notwithatanding all the
devilishness of their temper, would wiah fie a toly tenet, i
Ly that means they could get out of hell: ) in thia nae,
there fa to aineere willingness to love Christ, and ehoose
him na hia ehie? good: theae holy dispositions and exercises
ne not at all the direet ohjeet of the will: they truly ahare
no part of the inelination or deaire of the aout, but all is
forminated on deliverance Mom Gorment; and thease graces
and pioua volitiona, notwithatanding this fireed eongent,
are looked upon as undeairable, aa when a aiok man deaire:
a dow he greatly ablora to ave hia life,

rom thia it clearly appeara, that you have never really
desired Holiness, for whieh you have had no more than an
indirect Wish, as a neccesary Mneana of escaping hell Mhe

apprehension of misery is all that excites your anxiety, and
should a new revelation from heaven naaure you, that the
mouth of the pit wae for ever chosed, your relizious aolioitude
would be effeetually allayed, and your desires for holiness
completely gone, That you have had such desires, and
with such belings have made earnest endeavors, and. stil
continue unholy, ts a matter of no aurprise, and can never
be adduced as a just argument to disprove that a holy
inclination is all that is wanting to make you holy, and that
af course you have the natural ability to be holy.

There is another and last objeation to this doetrine whieh
T shall briefly notioe, 1t is this, Tf no man over did, if
no man ever will become holy without the supernatural |
influcnees of the Spirit, how oan it be said with any propriety,
that men have the natural ability to become holy of them
selves ?

1 answer by asking what it is that mikes tho influence

wile, Cia dowhe

vinings all the
i Hvoly Weert, it
yin (hia eras,
ial, nnd ehonar
va nnd exeroians
they truly aliare
wuts bub allie
Wil (hese peraces
Nioveod eonsent,

alok tint cleaires

vve Hever rently
yomoere than an
ping hell The
our anxiety, ani
‘eo you, (hat the
Lizioun aoliottude
ivod Cor holiness
wh desires, and
evvors, and till
Sand ean never
ove that a holy
mi holy, and that
v holy,

is doetrine whieh
man over did, if

he supernatural |

thany propriety,
w holy of them

1s tho influences

HV. JORRPH ATI CHRIBT MAS, 2H

ofthe Apirit necessary ins any enae 7 Te it that men have
no natural freultios or power to obey God 7 or init heenuse
they fare nverae of their own aesord to use then) an aver
dion ao abrong that it willnower give way, till the Almighty
Mpirit mikes them willing ;—an aversion so tiniveranl, thot
noone over hag or will oxiat without it? oT leave you to
judge now, whether it he wa fair inforenoe, that beans all
mon are this obstinately unwilling to do their daty, that
therefore no man is able todo it. The fret that every one
who becomes a Christian, besomes suoh by the inflteneea
of the Spirit, does not tonch the question of man’s nataral
power, but only proves the universality of this unwilling
nono—n truth whioh ia not in dispute,

Having thus proved, T trust, that all mon have natural
ability to obey God, and that the only reason why they do
not, is puroly voluntary, in short, is their unwillingness
and having anawered such objections to the doctrine, as I
am noquainted with, [ proceed to deduce and illustrate 9
fow practionl inferences.

I remark,

I, That, if mon have power to obey Mod, the want of “h
disposition to do ao, is no exeuse for disohedionce, and
therefore that God may justly condemn them for want of a
right disposition, Very frequently, when sinners are arged
to the duties of repentance, faith, and love to God, they
plead that they have no heart for them, and leave us to
infer that they are not to blame for their impenitenec,
because God has not given them a different heart. My
object under this head of remark, is to show the perfect
futility of this common plea.

The Most High never blames for the want of talents

which he has not given, nor requires the improvement of

RNC SSE DI HERO pg SRO

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lin any tes hides Phis tritet bed feaee finn with hengmvetty hai
Mist A Nite peined pile, why HedOr fe bette eine. bee Ghat
iinnell Weyl Chie peed GP pietinn | Aw hye pit thie
petnetple, TP the whale miemad driven Of Gad ital eebed
atatiel thie Chie rnaiienb, they woudl offootundly sinew then
eolved beyond the oblivationa of tia bow, nnd the eontedl of
his goverment ive hay Aeedll all then gland a want of
Tiespreed haves Fi pwn thin prrmneipde, thie adver tf nll anne Hover
allan Offender bin rocketing, and all the poraltion inv bis
Ii Merrie ngenitnat braniayrontion, are mare ergy
Hironrenteie Thiia tne bec prrined ple nt fife: abppleed af
Hoes conn Tat he aten if Sehirvah'a Phi terries, anil denies hia Ah
Lvewign aball And yoh it in involved in the exenee por
potnlly ceed ty mot, that they have ne diepemition ty de
hotter that they de, ya

Aynin, iP the exaude beat all valid, the more ainfala man
Eseries Tne Tener i rnye is he of prifish ment Meow ifs
(iainelination te ity idm rondin why one ahold not be
punished for ita negloat, then a atronier disindlination ia a
SErOn On ronan why one thowld not he gninishod by
ile nevleet, nod thas na the disinelination inerensasa in
atronyth, doot the oxouse inoranse in ita validity | Let
if to fool a disinolination ft re ae ts
Ridnelinittad mbion alr ia ainfal, a stronger

ination Is mote loeply sinful. And if the stronger
the disinglination, the more valid the exonas, then the

more ¢ j ‘
ro dooply sinful, the tore valid the excise, that is, the

pou AP WATER Cte Tete

diene Hoople etal mnie Beets, the Tete oderedig te hy
OE wonder thin

Nantiy, FP Chat Teta treet ntti he te Need a holy eqns
altho oof thee ali Hameo th treks We Tne ce edielit be ade
vine wy bhitie OF Chem Tbe te Tn te edolit Go denial
Watinnnl ability, oe grammer, oF then titel te Tie tet eon
wiaedented talenteal wwltely tre va tit enteuatod | Nev
Wilh Gt tye enh: Clank Ge weet Ve etighit: Bie Tetiee bos ened
Wielodtiees, or vi tiithote ctapeattton, Phe only other
dro wlvtedy fe lof welvtely Tee cite dorm, ta thelinoa, on a
Waly Heart, md Te te nny rot farmtly clonal there of tho
who hare He tot. Cirtitety GP the eeenae te eat te tony
not) chon the Most High live nbaotiitedy no edatit: be de
vv vi Cine oF ete abies,

Aula, GP thie exenan bea wil one, there da ne anol
Hino vast diy the world Mor all adi nny he rodtieed ty
a Wwant of rlaht digpoctition, and EP ier are not do blame
Hoy this, (hey ane not to blame Mie anything, and there is
Wh) Dlamecwortdhy enentiee fi exiatonee,

Awevtiy fi offering this oxeude, alters necoasirily eon
deny the over-bleased God. Dike the unprofitable servant
who Did Wie master’s talent, they come into his presence
and say, Lond! Tknew thee, that thou arta hard nan,
reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where
thon hast not strewed.” Th presenting this exeuse, you
throw all the blame on God Mor he does demand: your
heart, though vou have to ciaposition ¢o give ib him, and
he threatens you with endless misery if you do not comply
Now if pour excuse is good, God is requiring what is not
right, way he is doing you an infinite wrong, in threaten
ine infivite woe With all this, you by implioation
charye him, in your selfjustifying pleas, and all this is

Ra) a

no haly bepes
yedirlith ti ale
lit bey cHestvntnnel
» lie toh eon
tiated Nivw
tenn ber Leeneenendl
Nas cont cttien
4 Wolinoma, orn
A there of tho
lll Teer teony
ne viplibh te ip

ere tare atteh
y le rodieed to
db do Plaine
uw, net there is

voowaairily eon

ofttable avrvant
ho hia presences
neds ee Uaeed teva,
athering where
via EXCUAE, You
se demand your
ive ib him, and
do not comply

ne what is tot
vw, in threaten
ry implication
and all this ts

HV. SMI anne CO term ad 147

tee, 1 yet plow ta well faotinded (oh! winner, da yon
canadien what blenie yore poilky exouaed ante henpine apn
your Maker? ‘Phog will be all rolled baek upon you
ly mee Alidelity rec, med will Pall with an overwhelming
weivht nnd ernel you, not reopomtod of while yet you are
in the way with your ndlvoriney

Avain, you tover necopt anol a plow fram another when
you nee ble parehy dnjered, nnd wolflove doa not blind you
Who a fallow erontire disteosses aad hints you, you de
nob doom hit exoamed beanie he plonda that lo haa no
rhb diapeaition towneds you. And what ronson ean you
vader why God whonld nesopt auoh a ploa from you 7 Nay,
there nee momonts in whieh eonagionos, that will be ne
lonvor ailoneed, sponka out and condemns you for doing
things, wlbhonuh when you did them, you bad nie disper
tin to do otherwise, The riko who ia overtaken with
ahame, poverty, and disense, bitterly condemns hinnself,
although in his enroer of lisentiousnioss he had no disposi
tion todo otherwise, The convioted sinner condemns him
soll, when he seed the fatal consequences of transgression,
though at the time of hia disohedienos, he had no disposi
tion to do otherwise, The sons of Jnoob, after they had
abused their brother Joseph, Pharaoh, after he had per-
aisted in refusing to emancipate the Lsraslities ; Saul, after
he had apared the Amalekites; and Judas, after he had
hotrayed innosent blood; all condemned themselves for
their conduct, although at the time of it, they had no dia
position to notin a different manner, And all sinners,
sooner or later, either whon the light of conviction shall
pour upon their hearts in this world, or the light of eternity
hroak upon their vision in the next, perceiving the false
ness of their ploa, and themselves stripped of every excuse

oa ADD OO ee

AW eerie ela th tebe ete Titel (re (nce noeed WE Renni gy!
pel te thee ie Wit Wetter neletiecelidtinn ernie atthe ad
Wen Het Tithoet Hee be TAEER pe gitteee tere derbieb a enti
OE Whine Sy Tithe et eee etter fie elite eet ean

enferond AT the helte® that eit ent fe aire ee by

eevee Hin the cet at Mette gece tee prnPrerntiiab ery
deh ob andl Sis lite We ee birebe geteee Th eetbhe th
aioli of eet petite tian, thee gene of tthe Mit Mbt ty
Wes Keil tes titee tee teed cette cect tis Them eed
Hever peel ven Heeb Git ditt net atte Teeteta ape te

pend ti) Woke (ba Hered eetreetlee tee crab Elbe cereale vt

Whe utstiowthanne (ne eit Hee ent adthet th ti lee teat ern
WA Vane at cen (itl) mired ere eer te tte ernie sleneniee

PA DERE REINER ON TG AAO CIE TATTLE: fii A ANA al oe ig .
” Beatle Mil ore cag Spa etsner aston at i Con |

, Mirai cine boca apent thet foi aorei oP pinite Tregette
AMe oiith Re willie fe dee eotreeleed na eine mee. aid
Ametiteledion what joi aoe Tithe eelPennden nod brnttire,
tie the Walter bent pote tteeka retth gate cee ttle
awd then oo aid Cleve votirel ene TT merey Of the
Witt, betiine ad Togetl iteeetienttion ehall eetiet the: ent Meaatin

a treavenalte ile and ile vedernnnget dann of your avila Cena

i Hoywyey
Ve dootriine of an ’e tatineal ability tive been namie to
Bear upon the ease of the aneonterted einer. Th line
been ostewn Chat) poesessitig power to Whey, hia want ol

ie
Sgiigag ss, 0 6B; cats

3 Vnelination admits of re possibile esenee. Te remain to ahon
§ hat He has ay equal bearing upon the enge of the converted

eainh, God wet only command] that the einner ahold
wepent and embrave the quepel, bat that the saint should
Tre porfeetly foly, andl se fee as he comes short of it he is
iwenewesbte on the same etound that the unreconeiled sin
ver fs treweenblo. Natural abiligy to perform our whole

duty ts the basis of the sinner’s obligation to repent and be

mee Hb betni gy!
eine creel h a
etter ety
Hier PUI brent
nig tie by
Pvertineb brn
eeelh eth th
Mist MP berbi ty
otis Vent oll
jeagta wpe ie
thes wipele if
We Neen:
ris HHerpalentetti te
yuiie tegettie
opine mre ted
nied teattire,
vineny Hettiete
corner OP the
Hye eet Meaatin
wie acti cena

Hoon rameter te
ier, Eb tine
J hia want ol
Hiving to aba
the eonverted
einer ahold
vanitrb ation
rh of ib he is
eooneiled sin
none whole
epent and be

/

fhe VY TORR Meh Off ff rw pay

purlrotly Hedy, ae of the cbtiantienn af the eoint, whey brn
f porter te he fi! rheethy haly And th eHitihy Romerty why fi
se ane Cree, eb tice enterh are einnner, te porfoetly baly ia thee
viv one cree Greely Pee ny peer Poet inelinntion to he holy The
AM petien hehoroon 4 ronewod perenne atl at nnreonowe ! i
that the one hae ny pretinl inelitnticny fo bye haly. oneh there
the ather ba ne teelinntion at ath Phe Afheronen between
a ont A coebh wn a ented be henven ro that the ane hy eves
a pnetiel Hrelinnstions bey be beky, mad the other brew a per font
TTT LA byes ery Nev ne anitte and einners priraanag the
en me nnbireeal nhility bey bits holy, the enint ie no mare eters
able Pie bie very inne and irri pror fort, inelinsticn than the aprner
ie fie bide bata b evaeet af ng rigeht inelination. Phe servant wher
marke lagily in hie rineter’a eriploymert ie reprehensible on
the anne cron, thonnceh tok te the same extent with the
ecryank who will not overlap nll | And yet mney Christian
perenne eprerle tnd Peed suet threvengeh they worse noth anor of
thie, Mhey logk baek pot the dag of their mnregoneraey,
andl heartily eondenn their eharneter oa inexcosahle
Hit cee bk lithle gilt in net being now vastly rote holy
than they are. They ronson mach like the inpenitent
when they speak of the strength of their corraptions as
comothing whiel they entinet help, and exons themselves
in the want of more intensely holy Feseshingea beanies (aod
hea not given them larger mensares of his grace, Now they
are hlameworthy, not merely on the ground that their
cateless walk and indevotion have deprived them of the
larger effisions of the Spirit, which remedy the wrong dis.
position of the heart, bat on the broader hasis of their
natural ability, which at all times obliges them 99 secountable
creatures, not merely to be partially, but perfectly hoby.
Henoe ought the children of God to feel that they should

" ~ ad . —
. ‘ Me Pear X ee
a ae

ww MEVOIR OF THE

he perfoet even aa their Pathor fn heaven ia porfhet, that

want of power, but of disposition, ia fnexeuanble ; that God
hae aright to demand their poerfoetion on the ground of

their ability, without giving the dnfluences of hia Spirit,

that such is their guilty disinelination to porfhet holiness

that it never will be overcome, exeept by thesovereign and

: :
‘F | every degree of shortcoming, aa it dood not ariae from a
;
i
i
¥
t
'

Alminhty power of the Spirit; and that all their desires

after perfoet holiness, eo long as they are not perfoetly holy,

like the sinners desires after repentanee, are not proper,

direet, and sincere,

1 remark,

2. That if men possess natural ability to do and to be
all that God requires, it follows that they are not paasive
In Pereneration

The common opinion, that depravity consiata ina depray
od heart, existing anterior to depraved feelings; that itisa
constitutional and physical depravity independent of our
Will; and that regeneration, whieh remedies it, is a miraen
lous ereation of a new nature, from whieh holy feelings
spring, the production of a new faculty whieh the sinner
never possessed before, and the infusion of n new principle
which must be possessed in order to render him eapable of
holy feelings, is inconsistent with the doctrine of man’s
; natural ability to do all that God requires; or shall we not
‘ rather say, that the doctrine of man’s natural ability is sub
versive of such an idea of his passivity in regeneration ?
(to} commands men to make them new hearts and a new
spirit, He makes it their duty to be regenerate, And
men have natural ability to do and to be all that God com-
mands, But if regeneration be the creation of a new
physical faculty, an operation in which man is passive, he

tn gage

Se age SPR cg

2p asain spear seg tg se “7 aie

prorfiont, that
arian from on
Iles Chat God
he ground ut
NW Mia Sypivit
wfoat holiness
aoveredgen ani
their desires
porfootly holy,
reonat proper,

lo red tobe
re not priasive

ata in depray
hue, Chat itisn
endent of our
it, ia a miraen
bh holy feelings
fel the sinner
new principle
him eapable of
rine of man’s
yw shall we not
| ability is sub-
regeneration ?
‘ts and a new
snerate, And
that God eom-
jon of a new
is passive, he

UHV, JOCMPT ering crmtarMas 14)

lw no nbility to be regenernte, Nay, if God reegiitos thet
ofitin whieh we are prsaive, he requires nothing of as, Me

req tired Hint we should be aeted wpon, not that me ehonld
vet Bot itis evident, that the prevalent iden of passivity
in regeneration quite mistukes the nature of that ehuange

I, nttributes morn! oliarneter to something which existe
anterior to the voluntary, netive exercises of the soul, for
which alone conseionee and seriptire declare as responsible

Avain, all that the divine Inw requires is lave, “Love ia
the fulfilling of the law. The fraitof the Spirit is love.’

Tornke a new heart, then, means nothing more than to
exereiae holy love, And is 1 man passive in the exercise of
holy love?) ‘This view of the aubjeot, is agreeable to the
experience of all who have ever become regenerate. They are
not conscious of the creation of any new power, of the
infusion ofany new pringiple in which they were passive, but
are merely sensible of the exercise of new holy feelings,
which they know indeed they would never, if left to them

selves, have chosen to exercise, but in which they were as
voluntary and notive asin any unholy feelings they ever exer-
cised, They act in being acted upon: It cannot be shewn
in what respeot the first holy exercise differs from any of
the subsequent ones, except in its being the first. And if
a saint is notive in all his subsequent holy exercises of mind,
what reason oan be assigned why he is not in the first?
The same power which began must perpetuate holiness in
his heart, and as the saint is active in perpetuated holiness,
s0 is he active in commencing holiness.

Again, if men are naturally able to do their whole daty,
nothing but their unwillingness keeps them froin it. If
they were willing, if they had holy inclinations, their duty
would be performed, and the first exercise cf these would

SRE: 6 RS Ra ees tag

See cca tamer

SE GM esteye thn a eee hone gee ey

SARE TEES

Rae

7 Shain ra ae kor ee oa aa i Bens oe neti

132 WEWOIR OF THE

he their regeneration; but is it net evident that they would
he active in this? Ts a aman passive in willing to he hol
or in holy inclinations ? Men are not bound to possess (hi
inflrences of the Spirit of God, for them they eannot eon
mand. They are dispensed in uncontrollable sovereignty.
But they are bound to possess those holy feelings whieh
that Spirit produces, They are bound to have new hearts,
that is, holiness, So long as men think that regeneration
is some miraculous operation in whieh they are passive, and
necessarily must be wrought by an agent whieh they ean
in short, as the now heart ts

not eommand » so lone

rt

supposed to be any thing besides the first exercise of holy feel

ings, men Will deny Their natural ability to be holy, repe'
all exhortations to be converted, and never feel the fore
of the obligation to make them new hearts and a nen
spirit

T remark,

3. Tf sinners are naturally able to comply with their duty,

and vet unwilling to do it, we are furnished with a. satis
factory reconciliation of those passages of seripture which
speak of repentance, faith, and love, as man's duty, witl
those passiges which speak of them as God's gift. 11
explains the consistency of man’s being in some places com
manded to make them new hearts, and the new hear!
being in other places said to be the work of the Spirit and
oift of God.

Tn tho first place, men by the very possession of natural
ability, are laid under obligations to be holy. The natura’
talonts with which God has entrusted them they cught to
improve by the exercise of holy affections. And what they
ought to do, God has a right to command them to do. I:
is therefore richt in God to command men to iove him, ti

ay

Vat they would

Jing ty be holy,

Wd to possess thy

sy eannot eom

le sovereionty,
foclines which
ave new hearts,
at reweneration
ATO PASsiVe, and
Vieh they ean
ye now heart ts
reise of holy fee!
» be holy, repe!
y fool the force
‘arts and a nen

p with their duty,
xd with a satis
seripture whieh
pan's duty, with
God's gift. lt
ome places com
the new hear
f the Spirit and

assion of natural
The natural

1 they ought to
And what thev
them to do. I

to iove him. ti

REV. JOSRPH ATIRBS CHRIST MAR, Lisi

repent, and believe in Christ, "Pheir power to do ge lays
them under obligations to do so, from whieh they ean inne
wise be excused. And henee the propriety of apenking, of
love, repentance, and faith, as man’s duty, and urging him
to its immediate performance, But in the next place, though
this is man’s duty, he is obstinately unwilling to do it, and
that is his depravity, Urge him to do it, ply him with all
the inducements whieh the whole magazine of truth affords,
and in-all the waya whieh the whole system of means ean
present them, and he will refuse, The wicked will conti

nue to do wiekedly, ‘Though Christ most tenderly invites
him, he will not go unto him that he might have life. Now
God, who sees him in this guilty frame of mind, perceives
that he ean, by the almighty influence of his Spirit upon
the heart, remove his obstinacy, and make him willing to
love, repent, and believe ; and when he does it, he is said
to give him love, repentanec, and faith, But isit not clear,
that what God has given him he was bound of himself to
have, and that the exere'ses of love, repentance, and faith,
which are God’s gift, were his duty before God gave them ?
And it would have been right to have urged him to relin-
quish his obstinacy, before God subdued him by his grace,
and made him willing in the day of his power, and if God
had never done so, it would still have been his unalterable
duty to be willing, Hence we see the propriety of exhort-
ing sinners to repentance and holiness of heart, for they are
bound to ‘t independently of the grace of God, while ano-
ther portion of revealed truth assures us, that if they ever
do repent and become holy, it will be in consequence of re-
pentance given, and holiness communicated by the sovereign
and free Spirit of God, Hence we see the reason why God,
is a moral governor, invariably demands holiness, and in

ie AWM Gee We

a MTT la it any
alatout Ge tt bo ee all ations to che len cow tenets

OT FtMnoue, He ween, Oonliie Ut

Wi Ti dome Cetin (ouhves Shen ew leant Ue de
What (i all canoe ta tian’ by) ti aon emai, id's
wit

Lovomanh,

Phat GP onen have natural ability to enitenee oh
yompal, wid ane ned Wiis to doit, the doatenation of th
Hon oloot dato bo abtelbuted enthiely to thermal ven

Li had hoon conmtantly aned by dhe mupportord of Ay
Wiiviandai, that PE none pombly can ombrnee the ponpel,
but thoge on whom a aoverelion God contin lilt grade, then
tho vost af mankind, the normoloot, are placed indore achard
anid Gavinolble necoity of bola forever lont, And the
ohjootion be wnanawornble, EP auoh be the condition of
the nomeloot, all the reasoulige and doripture i the worl
cannot ailonoe the drrepromible dlotated of common deni
Ut those on who Cod dood not intend, and: therefore doo
not boatow tia geaee, have no power to embrace the yon §
i pol, thon itia hard that they ahould porlah for not ember
i any dt Ub i to nO purpore to may that they are july
condemned for thelr trangromion of the law, and had no
right to expect that Cod ahould ever provide a Saviour,
or place pardon within their reach, The whole of thir i
: wranted., Tt indeed the nonoloct are troated ia the more
ree transgressors of the law, and never having had moroy offer
Tee od, die without the guilt of itt rejection, it muat be allow
ic | ed there is no injustice done them, ‘Thoy juntly porish
like the devils, without exouse, and without the offer ol
pardon, But is this a soriptural view of thoir situation,
at least of those of thom who porish amidst tho light o
the gospel? Ts not the word of this salvation which was

Viva da db eon
vane dee besieta,
siete, PN de
we onaed, Clade

to anibenoe thi
yAbeHObLOn OF Uh
vines Vaoed
appartera ob At
AGH Fhe poppe,
Hohl pernde, thon
wl vnelor a land
font, And the
the sondition of
ure di the work
f GOMMON Keni
vl therefore doo
saben Che pron
fev not ermbrnc
thoy ave junily
Maw, and had ne
vide a Saviour,
whole of thin
atod Ke the more
had moroy offer
te munt be allow
oy juntly porish
out the offer ol
thoir situation,
dat tho light o!
ation which was

HY DO ON Ce Ae V4

comin WW Vis pronehurl UD wynry neni ech Wey Obey
alan Ane Whey not the parler of bape ne well vm
aera Nhe word whieh Obiniah mpoke, mbiill Uhat wor
judye them, wd are they nob condemned far nol need ving
the wonpol And how ean we niwer hin whe jnnpuivor
into the equily of eondenalig the non aleat far wo dang
whit Mey lave Ho power br de? Vheobjontion, I ropronl It,
in unnnawernlile, Mo long am Mies natal inability of the
alana de mndnbalned, Whe Ariminian may trike whew wt
the vilala of Oalyininn whieh no wheill Gan parry Th wae
iin anteundod ile of the sbnner’s iipolniis in erery
wenn, held by PEN, Voplady, and Adiere, in thes Saree
controversy Which tauk plane in Great Maritain alent
middle of the lah Gontury, which gave much wn mbyandtaye
to Wonley, Wletoher, and other eomdjavin, when ey ny
pesaled tor the equitable feelings of sunkind, While the
former founded the dooting Of sovereign and ungadinanal
dleation upon indisputable tatiinonion of the word of
(lod, they connechel it with a view of human ability
subversive Of justices, Wat the latter, Uninking that the
Hhotrine nod the oie mine wand on fall tayether, and mex
ig the horrid consequences of the view, soon prreunded
themmelved that the doctrine waa not contained in any A
thomas toxte dn which it is so incontrovertibly declared
Tistond of maintaining that no tan prmmibly can embsraex,
the yospel without the grace of God, had the friends ff
clection maintained to a certainty no man will Welieve
Without the Miluence of the Spirit, and that his inpenitenc
and unbelief arins from no obstacle but an obstinate and
voluntary rejection of mercy and aversion ty holiness, there
had not probably been made a breach, yroat like the sa
which has not been healed to this day. It would ther,

J nis acta wc cal eles ie F

amagteites

jeuicniainnsesiongereenenineeeees ee ee te

Li MMOL OF THT

Have boon soon that an interest da the promt salvation. iy
plavod within the voaoh of ally that men, in eejeothay: it,
are not controlled ly tn Hinposaibility ae liatulity, bout
choose death, become the authors of ther own deatrietion,

and are justly condemned; and it would: then have boon
ndimitted by all the tealy phous, that though all continue
to rejoot salvation: with a desperate obstinnoy, God has
powor to remove that obatinaey, and oan make them will

tye in the day of power without destroying or interforing
with the freedom: of their will, and that he lias a right to
exeroise that power on whom he chooses, acoording: to tho
wood ploasure of hia will, and that tho disoriminnation does
no injury to those who are passed by. Tho inforonoe
would then have appeared eaay to most of those who now
hold contrary views, that what God dooa ho must have
intended todo, and: that if it is right for God, in time, to
bestow on some that grace which ho might justly have with
hold from all, then it was right in God from otornity to
make that solvetion and dosign to confor that race,

L remark,

6. Tf mon possess natural ability to turn to Ged, and
nothing provents thom but their wnwillingness, thon it isa
wieked thing in them to bo waiting God's time, till he
shall by the intlucnoes of the Spirit turn them,

It follows, that the moment you know your duty, you
are bound to perform it, “To him chat knoweth to do
wood, and docth it not, to him itis sia.” To continue in
tho neglect of duty, when no impediment. stands in the
way, | need not say, is wicked. But how much more
wivked is it to negleot it for such reasons, and with such
feelings as theso! “TI know that it is my duty to love
and obey God, and that it is reasonable and proper that I

sil anlvabion is
i rejootioge tt,
Ge Catitity, bat
en deatrnetion,
thon have beon
ugh all continue
nnoy, God has
wwke thom will
ye or intorforiny
vo hina wright to
novording: bo the
oriimination oes
Tho inforonce
’ those who now
a ho must have
(od, in tite, to
justly have with
rom ofornity to

hak range,

rm to God, and
oss, thom it isa
‘a timo, till he
m,
your duty, you
knoweth to do
lo continue in
stands in the
w much more
and with such
duty to love
t proper that I

REV. JOMBETE BT TAH OMMIBTM AM 147

should, Bat Dam determined not to do so, antil Ged

the Holy Spirit, shall, at some thine, overpower my repiy
nanos, and make me doit. Pe can de it, Phe pleases, me
he ling done to tonny unwilling sinners bosides myself, 1
will, therefore, wait bis own tine f will ountinus 7
offond him, tl he conquers me by his grice, 1 will pro

lone toy unyodly contest with bit, tl he makes me drop
my wonpons, And if his time should never come, if he
nover Aubdios my obatinuney in the day of his power, I
will continuo bis enemy til Edie’ Now thia is, by fair
construction, the feoling of those who are unwilling to torn
to God, and seo waiting for God's time to turn them, by
tho irresistible influences of his Spirit. Tt may be present
ing the aubjoct ina little more yvlaring and obvious light,
than you have been wont to view it, But itis all involved
inn willingnose to neglect religion, until you can no longer
help attending to it, in your intention to continue impent
tont, Gill God shall arise in his powor, and break, and sab
duo, and change your heart. And what, my friend, if
God's time ghould never come? What, if God's time
should never come? Are you willing to risk the welfare
af your oternity upon the certainty of such an event 7
This thing is cortain, that God's time will never come,
while you continue to think as you do It will never
come until you feel that you cannot defer your duty any
longer, until the pressing conviction is urged upon your
mind, that “now is the accepted time, now is the day of
salvation.” Now ¢s God’s accepted time ;—the only time
that, you may ever know. “ To-day, then, if ye will hear
his voice, harden not your heart.” And will you still
maintain the controversy with your Maker, by pleading
that you have no natural ability to obey. No! you can-

i

Lite AWA Gen eee

not do Chat, aa long aa God ta jamb nil corinne od

iene, na long na Che Mori ptired me trie, and atti
your Fipenttonee Coa volintany aod eho dlainelination,
mdb net ton want oP power, On, neknowlodelig you
tial ability Co obey, will you ati plonih youn ment a/
Hiapowiiion nat a attolonh oxenae 0 What t plond that a
HH OMA while la Hever neve hocl in Viverenvens nnaloly , Why
oxotee whieh dlondoe God Che cijlit Co prniehe iy eentin
pot Hie revolt again bia government, vn OReHAG Which
would prove that the tote aiafil you heootne, the tom
lomorving of puttalimont, owhtoh wletowlly donde God's
riuht (oo denand: any thing of tia orentinod, Ai eet
whieh would diaprove Che oxiatonee of any mor evil in th
mniverae, ouneexouse whieh cartiod with tb the highs
Hponohmont of the divine equity, cone whieh you would
rejook with indignation, wore it offered you by me follow
vroatie , ene whieh, in the tusid: datorvils of your moral
porooption, you cannot aecopt from: youtsell rnd one too
whieh porsiatod in will be ruinous, by prooluding you from
all convietion of guilt, and: is incompatible with that fel
dy of eoloondommation, whieh mittab precede the exten

sion of morey towards you? And do you now any, that
wonviotion that your oxeuse ia inoxousablo, dooa not alter
your disposition ? that you till hinve no heart to repent,
wud how oan you? What, now, lot me ask, would: you
think ofa ohild, who, after he had wantonly and. inpo
doutly offondod his paront, and that agyrioved paront had
wome, and told him to bo sorry for what he had) done,
whould reply that he did not fool liko it, that he had ne
hoart to ropents—-would you not think that ho was adding
obstinacy to insult? And whou tho parent should atl

urge upon him the obligation to repent, ho should plead

awvtnonnnnnela ole
wed abtedbiat
hy diatnollintion,
ow loli yon
tb yon ment a7
(| gilenel Wit a
wie ROTOR Y ot
Hieh tiny Grentin
mn oxenae whieh
Hoootie, the low
Ny london God's
Ho) A COTE
mort owl ine the
ty Uh Che Trip tent
whieh you would
yout hy fellow
ila oF your meal
Mh one too
huding you: from
bis with that fool
ooedoe the exten
now any, Mint a
6, door not alter
honrt to repent,
nek, would you
only and impu
aved paront had
tf hho lind done,
that ho had ne
tho was adding
ont should still
ho should plead

HRY, DORR APN OMIM Ae

lin Trnpneitereth Tiapomi tions nm tn emai, nnd inquire how he
wie bo ged i better apieit, would you net wang hes wn bend
to teva a Diether eqieit, thet tiie migeiige mach nn exe

andl walelige aah a question, wan only evidence of the won
tinned OF tile epenved dnalinition, think the plan ois
fitile nnd nypenvnbing, and only waldo inealh ta Obatinney 7
fron inion exnetly aiioilie are you noting tomneds Oo
wid dn abil Light dees he rege gone well jamtifiantion
Hit you any gon Offer ne exennes (Damn convinged that f
TL wivilly ane inemausihle, that, iy very frien ih, justly
he ninde the proud of my condemnation, bat wilh my
hart dows not rolont. May Pinot by tay prayers inmate
that gerne whieh shall change my diapesition 7 TRE en
tine te pny, wi not Dod give moe nnother heart? Me
you have no nasrinde Hat he will Pf he doos, it wilh net
hn in anawer to gour prayers, tanh leas Man your praginy
insure ib epontanes is your primnty and indisapenantl:
aby,
porformangs of your daty, mnd the enjoyment of Gada
Until this is done nothing is done, Al sabject

Vardon ia pro

This ia the first atop you can minke wrnnrds the

favor,
ribola myeninat a wise and food sovereiuen,
claimed on condition that he throw down hia arma and eat
mit. Now it will little avail him, that he senda flattering
menor to his soversign, indites the most friendly ad
dresses to the throne, of nets the most kindly part towards
his fellow subjects, so long as he continues in arma and
If the arin of power arrest him in this
condition, he will be treated, and condemned as a rebel

refuses to submit,

Having in like manner rebelled againat the King of kings
who has sent you « proclamation of mercy on condition of
repentance and submission, it will avail you nothing, that
you offer the most importunate prayers, that you most

140) MEMOTR OF THE

diligently use the meanea of graee, behave in the moat
unexeeptionable manner towards your fellow men, provided
you have not first repented, and) submitted to God. Till
you do this, every prayer you offer is mockery, every means
you vee is making you worse and worse. Not only Hope
praying without repenfanee leave you in aetate of eon
domnation, but impenitent prayers, however long continued,
will not avail to procure repentance, either by any intrinsic
offieney of their own, or by virtue of any promise that God
has given in his word, There is not one word of encour
wgement in the whole compass of the seriptures to any
oxettions of any one while he continues impenitent and
uneonverted. Without repentanee you may pray till your
last breath expives, and read the eeriptures till the miat of
death rettles on your vision, and God not give you grace at
last, and then it will be no more an imputation on the
character of the Supreme, that he allowed an awakened
person to die without merey, than that he lets thousands of
careless persons die without awakening, [nu short, T dare
not, with the word of God for my guide, direet you to pray
previous to repentance, and asa means of getting it—for
that would be to direet you to offer an impenitent prayer,
it would be to direct you to prolong rebellion, by sub
stituting an insulting mockery for genuine submission. We
must adhere to the record, and beseech you to be recon:
ciled to God on his terms and without delay. We must
urge your obligations, and call on you to cast away all
your transgressions, whereby ye offend, and make yous
new heart and anew spirit. To all your professions of
dosires after holiness, of endeavors after conversion, and
persevering prayers, we must bring you back to indispens-
able duty, and ask, do you love God ? do you repent of sin?
Jo you believe in Christ? “No, I do not, I cannot.”

eo dn the most
cinen, provided
Lio God, TH
ry, every means
Not only does
ratite of eon
long continued,
by any intrinsic
omise that God
word of eneour
piptures to Any
impenitent and
ry pray till your
+ till the miat of
rive you grace al
iputation on the
dan awakened
lets thousands of
In short, T dare
reet you to pray
' petting itb—for
penitent prayer,
yellion, by sub
aubmission. We
ou to be recon:
‘lay. We must
o east away all
nd make you?
r professions of
conversion, and
ck to indispens-
repent of sin?
ot. I cannot.”

REV, JOSRPH ATTRA CHRISTMAS 141

What! ia there nothing inthe character of the infinitely
glorious and blessed God that you oan admire and love 7
No form nor eomeliness in Ohrist why you should desire
hin ? O what a wieked heart is that of yours, that [ must
etand here and plead the rights of God with you, and after

all you should say that you oannot love him, The very
first apprehension of his being and character should be
enough to fire your hearts. You oan love the world, you
oan love contemptible pleasures, and sinful fellow-orentures

You ean love your guilty and polluted selves, You oan love
ein, the most loathsome thing in the universe, and can then
plead that you cannot love God! Hear, oh heavens! and

he astonished, oh earth! How oan FE repent? How
ean you help repenting ? “Tf you loved God it would be
an immediate and spontaneous emotion of your heart. You
would take a saored pleasure in indulging your grief before
God, You would feel 19 though you should choose to go
sorrowing down to the grave, and up to the world where
Jeaua is, Tfow can you help repenting? Ta it not the
most rational thing iu the world? Can you think of sin
and ite exceeding sinfulness without being filled with self
abhorrence? Oan you look upon him whom your sina
have pierced, without your eyes affecting your heart. 7
“Tlow can I believe in Christ?” How is it that you have
been able to live so long without believing in him? How
have you contrived to remain easy in your condemned
situation, to refuse an offered and a finished salvation, to
despise the bleeding love of Ohrist, trample andar foot the
blood of the covenant, reject the Saviour’s kind invitations,
doubt his gracious assurances, and expose yourselves to all
the consequences of incurring the wrath of the Lamb?
Wouid to God that he would arise and make you feel as
though you could no longer disbelieve.

4

ae DAS 50 Pe et MR CRC Ts lt 9 ie xe sae ARE OE

beige toh

14v MEMOIR OF THE

FAREWELE LETTER

rH

THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN SOCTETY
OV MONTREAL.

My prarn Raeruren,

It is required by custom, that a minister, when about
to retire from the pastoral care of a people who may see
his faee no more, should improve the solemn oocasion, by
taking such a view of the responsibilities of the past, as
may, With the divine blessing, result favorably upon the
destinies of the future. Reason and foeling alike assent
to the propriety of what custom has required, If ever the
monitions of a parent are likely to impress the heart of a
wayward child, it is when all his sensibilities having stirred
within him, he yet lingers on the threshold, ore he takes
his journey to a far country, [f ever the instructions of
the Apostle of the Gentiles fell with the weight of eternity
upon a people, among whom he had “gone preaching the
kingdom of God, by the space of three years,” it was,
when bound in spirit, he gave them his valedictory charge,
just before he went up to Jerusalem for the last time. An
iliness that has wasted my strength in the midst of my
way, and during the last fow days of my continuance
among you, brought me to look over the crumbling verge
of life, deprived me of the opportunity of mingling my

| SOCTUTY

, When about
e who may seo
in oooasion, by
of the past, as
rably upon the
y alike assent
1 [fever the
the heart of 4
having stirred
1, cro he takes
instructions of

ht of eternity
preaching the
rears,”’ it was,

ictory charge,
last time, An

midst of my
y continuance
mbling verge
iningling my

ROY. JOSHPH STIAS CHRIS oo 145

ayinpathios with yours, of uttering the parting monitions
af solieitude, and viving the last oxpressions to affeetion
in the ordinary way. Now that Do have gained a littl
etrength, my own inclination and your request poworfully
prompt me to adopt the substitute of sending you hy let
ter what TF should have been glad to have delivered) in
person,

As it is of some importance that the reason of my sepa
ration from you should be distinctly understood by you
all, and as ny last imperfect communication, written from
asiok bed, was read in the hearing of but a portion of the
congregation, I choose on thia oveasion to ropont, ita con
tonta,

When [ first consented to become your pastor, it was
from the conviction, that the providence of God which had
hrought me among you, almost in spite of ny own wishes,
had olearly designated the field [ was to ocoupy. And
though whon mine eyes behold the King, the Lord of Eosts,
[ery, Woo is me, Lam undone, for Lam a man of un
cloan lips :”’ though in the presence of divine equity, I feel
myself at best but an unprofitable servant, still [ have been
moro and more convinced, that the finger of God was in the
arrangement. When the peculiar difficulties, and immense
importance of the station, together with the youth and
inexperience of him who was called te fill it, are considered,
in connection with the fact of his being sustained and
blessed in his work, beyond your expectations, or his own,
you are forcibly reminded how much more you arc indebted
to the goodness of Providence than the wisdora of your
choice; and he is solemnly and affectingly bound to give
the glory to God, “for b’s mercy and truth’s sake.” If
the enlargement and stability of your congregation, the

144 MEMOIR OF TIE

Hnembarrassed pogseaaion of a apreiona nnd conventions
place of worship, the enjoyment of what you were one
atangers to unity of heart and: harmony of coungel, the
shining of your Tipht in darkneas, whieh ta beginning th
comprehend if, fhe aeveasion of moral atrength to th
visible body of Chriet, and the renovation of many tomes
ial minds, whom the Redeemer, after they have heen
fashioned and polished, shell aet, ve jewels, in his medinty
vial erown ; if these be juat eanaea of (hankAilness to Zion's
Wing, we will unite in adoring him, whe onee made tes
of the lay din opentig the eyes of the blind

But, brethron, my work among you ig done, Whether
anything further remaing for me todo in the world, |
know not, but the Head of the Chureh, by the voiee of
Providenee, now as elearly ealls me away, as he ones
appointed my ephere of action in your part ef the vineyard
The grounds on whieh T thus conelude, are, my preaene
imadility fo serce you, and the unlikelihood that T shall bi
able to do so tn future, amidst the peeuliar preasure of the
duties of the station, and the unfavorable severity of the
climate, This [aver to be my only reason for seeking the
dissolution of a connection, whieh has for four years: so
happily subsieted. Udo it with the reluctance of a mis
sionary, who, worn down in some foreign land, is driven
trom the strongholds he had gained, to return and breathe
his native air, a useless invalid, [do it with the feelings
ofa soldier, whom his general commands from ‘the high
places of the ficid, to the ignoble employment of guarding
the encampment, [do it with all the laceration of affee
tion, which takes place in being severed from a people, who
have been so Kind and indulgent, as [ can testify you to
have been. Nothwithstanding the tide of prejudice, which

1 eonventont
HW AREPE Otte
eounael, the
hevinntng ty
noth to th
Hany Eines
y have been
hia medinty
Noda to Zion's
ee made tan

0 Whether
the world, |
y the voiee of
ne he one
the vineyard
, my present
ab TD shall bi
essure of the
erity of the
‘soeking the
ur years so
‘0 of a mis
d, ia driven
and breathe
the feelings
n ‘the high
of guarding
ion of affee
people, who
tify you to
dice, which

-

ROY. JOR RPT aTinne CHRISTMAS 14%

in Canada cela etronge and atondy against a man of iny
country and peineiples , the eivil disabilities under which
a peraeeuting low lnya me naa olergyinin |* the separation
from the aympathios of home and kindred, and the grent
mnotint of tninisterial labor, anrelioved by exchanges, which
my solitary position hag imposed: LT eould feel ready to say

‘Vor the information of those who reside in that portion of the
earth, where the word toleration ia atricken from tho politica!
vovabulary, (8 word implying that the itnmunities of conseience
are held at the diseretion of mercy, and not on the ground of
right) and yet may ginnoe at these pages, Ladd a few worda in
explanntion ofa aubject generally understood in Canada. fy
the atatue of the provincial parliament, every clergyman ia bound
lo record every baptiam, marriage, and funeral, in a hook of #
partionlar degeription, every folio of which must he signed and
poruphe'd by n judge of the King’s Benoh ; and every clergyman
who shall perform any of the clerical duties above mentioned,
without making the record in the said book, ia liable toa fins, and
three months imprisonment, for every such offence. A regniation
thug salutary in determining the rights of anceession, and legiti
macy in families, was not complained of, until it was decided in
the Superior Court of Appeals at Qnebec, (his honor, the ohief
justice Sewall presiding, that the law, by clergymen and by every
variety of expression, with which it designated clerical fanc
tionaries, meant none but ministers of the Roman Catholic Church,
and the two Hatablished Churches of Englund and Scotland; thas
placing every pastor and congregation not connected with those
bodies, under the necessity of incurring the penalties of the law, or
relinquishing privileges, which both conscience and convenience
made highly important. For myself, willing to show my readi
ness to “render to OCmsar the things which are Csar’s,” |
have alwaya declined to celebrate marriage, or responsibly to
officiate at a funeral, these being no necessary parts of minister-
ial duty, and the civil power having @ right to regulate, even

+ Poy

though it be arbitrarily, the discbarge of mere civil functions,

140 VEMOIR OF THR

with the Moahitess of old, “Where thoi dist, will Pade, and
there will Pho buried: Mire Lord do ae to ne, and) more
ale Wf auoht Dut death partie and thee?) Bart thon
sean, Team warned that it would not he right to eumber
the pound, whieh demands amore effefent Ivborer, tor
equitable 11) depend Wpon the goud nese win poaple, ty who
in wy feeble Health T eould render no equivalent. The
hivhest medical authorities here interposed fy sy, thats
continianee of my paroehial duties would feopardine ny
life, and the highest divine authority assured my congefenen,
that Thad not right to throw that dife away. Noo longer
able to hositate, as to the path of duty, TE have eiven you

vet, feeling mveelf bound to “render to God the things whieh
are Qod's? in virtie of the commission, Which bids ua | baptine
ali nations,” aswell as preach the @ospel to every ereature,
1 fer, conseienciously impelled to administer baptisny in the fier
of the Taw and ite penalty, and Timust add, to the honor and lib.
erality of the authorities of the distriet of Montreal, (hat T have
never been disturbed in the discharge of this duty,

A petition for the redress of the grievance was presented to
the provineial parliament in the winter of 1895, whieh passed
vrantmows’y among the Roman Catholic members of the house, ant
ray almost as unanimously opposed by the Protestant Episcopal
‘epresenta’tees, and needed nothing to make ia law, but the sane-
tion of his excelleney, the Karl of Dalhousie, who having reserved
it for the signifcations of His Majesty's pleasure, nothing further
has been heard of the humble petition, and religious rights of
many thousands of His Majesty's most loyal subjects. May it not
he hoped that this monopoly of ecclesiastical privilege, this
invasion of the mghts ofeconveience, unparaliocled in British domi
nions, and the nineteenth century, will soou be entombed in the
grave, where the spicit Of Naglish Jiberty has already consigned
the Corporation and Test Acts, by the most august and public
expression of che sense of the empire ? 5 Aa a OF

WT dite, and
ond more

Bat thon
toto emmber
laborer, nor
dle, te when
nlowe, Whe
) mY, thats
opardize my
Vy eon eneD,

No longer
ooodven. yor

things whieh
le va“ baptiao
yy erenture, |
in the face
honor and lh.
al, (hat T have

presented to
whieh passed
the house, ant
ant Episcopal
, but the sane-
ving reserved
othing flirther
ious rights of
s. May it not
privilege, this
British domi
tombed in the
dy consigned
st and public
ILS. C.

RAV. JOSRPE STIRS CHRISTMAS, 147

notice Chat, “GP the Gord wilh” DT shall, ot the ensuing
antitmnnl eossion of the first Presbytery of the city of New
Vork, make appliontion for the formal dissolution of the
This is an
event aolonimn and interesting to ud both, My ministry amony

pastoral relation still subsisting between us

you, with allite eternal and unchangeable consequences,
id dented up to the judgment, when disclosures shall) be
nade, important and tremendous to every individual who
has inany way come beneath ita influence; to be benefited
or injured; to be enlightened or exasperated, to be awakened
The exhi-
hition of Christ ia a test of hitman charceter, which never

or atupefied in the alumbers of spiritual death

fhils io show man “what manner of spirit’ he is of: and
in preportion to the fidelity with which it is made, and the
vividness with which the Poly Ghost applies that exhibition
to the heart, does it concentrate the responsibility of 4 moral
agent; aggravate the guilt of the impenitent, accelerate
the process of hardening, or conversion ; and converge into
the compass of a small moment the seattered influences and
the ordinary means of many years. That such an era, hap-
py or unhappy, has passed with many of you, the continual
and sometimes powerfully manifested presence of the Spirit
of the living God among us, leaves not a shadow of doubt.
In trembling hope, we must leave this subject to rest. un-
explored, till the Lion of the tribe of Judah shall open the
seals of the book, and then “shall the thoughts of every
heart be made manifest,” and ‘the day shall declare,” and
the fire shall “try every man’s work, of what sort it is.”
Meanwhile, it is not without anxiety that [ revert to your
present destitute condition. Yet lot those whose hearts arc
trombling for the ark of God, in recollecting all that is past,
learn to trust him for all that is to come.” Has the Lord

148 MEMOIR OW TITH

brought you through the Red Sea, that he might slay you
in the wilderness, you and your little ones? Tow often,
when danger has threatened, has his overruling providence
smiled, and seemed to say of the cluster which the hand of
the gleaner had not conveyed to his basket, “ Destroy it
not: for there is a blessing in it.’ My prayer is, that
‘your eyes may soon see your teacher,” that he may bes
shepherd that “shall feed you with knowledge,” one who
shall

" Peal sincerely with your souls
And preach the gospel for the goapel's sake,”

that upon the foundation already laid he may build with
gold, silver and precious stones, and that he may see the
temple of the Lord, in silent majesty arise until the top
stone be laid, with the shoutings of “ grace, grace unto
it {""

Immense responsibility is devolved upon you, asa church
of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though planted near the very
frontier of Christendom, you are situated in the New-York
of the North, already the centre of knowledge and commerce,
and soon to be the centre of political influence to the Cana
das, Your lot is cast ina land, Aere presenting the interest
ing spectacle of the old feudal forms of society, moved by
the impulse of mind beneath, just beginning to break up,
from the long congealment of the wintry ages gone by ; and
there, of another portion of the community, warm with all
the fermenting elements of modern activity, about to receive
the impression, which the present day shall instamp on the
present and future generations, Was there ever an age,
not excepting the first, or the sixteenth centurics, present
ing such a field for moral influence, or richer in the budding
prospects of millenial maturity ? My dear brethern, Tam,

wht slay you

How often,
x providence
. the hand of

Destroy i
ayer is, that
he may be
one who

ey ”
4\ 4

rke,”

vy build with
may see the
until the top
oO, grace unto

bu, as achurel
near the very
he New- York
nd commerce,

to the Gana

r the interest
y, moved by
to break up,
rone by ; and
arm with all
out to receive
stamp on the
ever an age,
rivs, present
1 the budding
sthorn, Tam,

REV, JOSEP STINDS CHRISTMAS. 149

above all things, anxious that you should feel the spirit of
the times, that made acquainted with the hour of the day,

you should no longer sleep as do others, but awake to put
on the whole armor of God. To “seek the things which

are Jesus Christ's,” cordially to fallin with, and urge for

ward the great plana of his benevolence, is a higher and

x more important object, than even to seek your own
salvation, Tho conquests of the Church have, in other
ayes, been sade at the expense of blood; her peaceful
triumphs must now be sustained by the tribute-money of
her children, The oause of Christ has needed the argument
of pationt suffering ; it will now best be benefited by the
cflorta of selfdonving activity. And if those, who now
enrol themselves among the soldiers of the cross, have so
little love for the kingdom of Christ, that with great
reluctance they spare a pittance of the property entrusted
to their stewardship, for the Gospel’s sake, and the sake of
all its blessed suceesses ; with what cowardice would they
have shrunk from the honorable dangers of those ranks,
which, in other ages, were daily filling up for martyrdom 7
This isa view of the conditions of discipleship, which should
induce ‘great searchings of heart” in the camp of Israel.
Ifa man will “serve the Lord Christ,” he must lay himself
out for aacrifiecs, and “ prefer Jerusalem above his chief
joy.” And doing #0, he will not be long, in this world of
misery and polluticn, without finding some object upon
which he may expend the labor of love. If he cannot give
property, he may give personal exertion, and if disabled
rom this, he may, in the actof intercession, lay hold on the
arm of omnipotence, and bring down blessings which no
vold can purchase, which no human agency can supersede.
If you estecin yourself but a drop in the ocean of needed

”

mAh) WENT Oe

Weweralenen, (oe a rag Am TP throat yout etal
Hetle orb, witty He apen to dhe Deft hemi of he Bit at
Rightoonanves, the Wilt anne iW Venven vunealel Hele the
WAN

Tete thon elange pot ill a eeroatiiead dotimnon
arate with the faportatiee of the dity, to give the whol:
Weta ht of porn dflivenee, Che ATE trenaire of ponte eo opin
tion, and the Tberal eanteiiatione of your mena, tothe
vations benevolent fietitvtlone whieh fee been, within s
few pears, onanined, and are tow henipaly opoeatiog in
wary elty, atid the prowiiee at Taree, Te fa not needful fin
me to onfore the varfong elating of the Bible Soetety, ot
the Tract Soefety, the Sabbath Sohoolentae, or the Weltien
iow and Tome Miaafonary Soeiety. May they onal) be Tike
‘oa tree planted by the rivera of water, whoo leat aliall not
wither, and whieh Deingeth forth dita (ait fn ita: aeaaon
Mav they obtain Maran of the Lord, by filing more grace
in the eyes of the people; and: seatter inereasing light
(hough all the dark places of a nogteetod Tand, whieh) may
well be styled, This fa Zion, whom ao man aeeketh after”
There is vet another soefety, whieh, when PT lef you, wae
iy Hes (fant helplessness, (i whose continued exiatenee and
Wereasiiig efleieney T fool a lively interest; Timean (th,
Nociety por the promotion of Temperance” Me evila whieh
id als ty remove, and whieh, were the temperate united
iv its principles, HE would be sueersfil in removing, are o!
giant magnitude, and no less afflietive to the Christian than
painfal to the philanthropist. With a little activity: among
che officors of that soviety, T would not despair of seeing all
Canada ameliorated by its influence, in hall a seore of years
The progress of public sentiment on that subject, has been
in these United States unparalleled, in the history of prin

I your & trate
uf (he Bin of
wcll wele tre

ive ete
rien he whol
your my A A
pret, Fett
Voorn, within a
y operating in
vend creed Pal fin
te Soedety, of
cor the Welton
vy eadly be Tike
a leat allyl tat
in ita aeARON
Vier Moe Bree
serenaing lipht
vw, whiely tay
aveketh after”
L lets you, wre
A exiatonee ani
T wvean (th.
‘he avila whieh
yperate united
nov ins, are of
Christian than
otividy among
irot seeing all

evore of years

ject, has been
atory of prin

HY OM EER CEPR AT A itil

ciple beltoniphing aver enaton and ert. Pborve witnessed
inn large pariah, where two yer aimee abronie Leite ora
an nlimomh tniverdnl Miverite, and aeamed eamentonl to all the

movenente of plone oe baie, eneh a eeforiintion of

continent, tint the offer of liquor would now be considered
ane deetethy ed the ie OP at a iagernee a bowen in when
whole limite, sedent apieite ean be prrehaved sah bat one
nitigle ahop, the dernier resort, the Tah tneonqitered posi
Lion of the chameleon and ineorrivible laverdof ram And
whit Hite toler place do that town, ia whit tie taken plaee,
ton pvrentor or low deyree, in hundreds of towns an effeet,
whieh ine outatripped the moat aangaine antieipationa of
the frends of femporinee, and promises in rensonnble time
lo oxticpate the decoitful gangrene that was rapidly eatiny
ita way to the vory heart of aoeiety. The ease ia ao olen,
the faeta so steamy, and the pround now taken of total
nhatinence, eooney and effeotual, that human minds needed
only to be enlightened on the subjeot, and hurnian hearts
would and did feel TP ineed not tell you that similar eon
soqnenves will everywhere follow similar antecodents, The
ease ia so clowr, the frets ao strong, and the ground now
taken go easy and effeetual, that an adoption of the prin
ciples of the society seems to me to be no longer a matter
of choive, but of conssiontious necessity. If a man would
hot violate “the royal law" of love to his neighbor, if he
would not rick his own virtue in the vortex of temptation ,
ihe would not be nesessary to the temporal and spiritual
perdition of his followanen, if he would not continue in
league with the direst enemy of the interests of righteous
hess and ponoe, in our guilty world: then must he enbist
under the standard of total abstinence. To adopt these
principles is not onough., They must be professed. Your

Ei insanity 54 ial msriipammte tay koe Simi need nite to oo saan Sen oaths
‘Ni Fh eR LOR i SECIS STN erat ar ic teghescarcen hoe mean’ oat orate

Tag ee ncn:
Cees

a :
jltmaetideianieansnainneenemarmtssiinessseaiiemnbteene eee ee

oy MEMOTH OF TEEN

Hight Durne well, but itda under a bushel You owe it te
God and the community, to dealare your praotiog, by a
vonaeetion with the ‘Pomperanae Boviety, whieh derives
atyongth (ome the anion, and: sitoved: from the decided
combination of ttimbera, Enow procood one atop Miether
then the aoolotiod for the promotion of temporanee have
vone, and ada minister of Christ, addroeding, his poople toy
the last time, declare my deoided conyietion, ha tall menu
Aiotine cond draflie ie ardend apirite, enespt so fir aa th
apothecary ity need then, teorveming’ TE intemporance
wottld be ordinal dn yourself, then is tt weong to aupply
the means of inebriadion to another. Ef a third person toap
the profit of your consoientionsneds by vending: the artiol,
whieh you refliaod to sell, your Obligation ia not ate all
diminished by his want of pringiple, TR Gt bo oriminal to
add inany way to tho amount of Tuman misery, then, ho
who multiplios tho Creilition of drinking, ts oriminnak Uf it
bo ordinal to ineroase the diffloulty of virtue, and aprond
the snare of tempting inddlgence before the eye of burning
appetite; then he who, for tuore’s sake, fills up tho oap for
his brothor man, is criminal Ef it bo oriminal to inorense
the sum of himanerime; thon he who, by his very business
adiministors an article, which adds fire to passion, and enorpy
to depravity, is most dooply oriminal Good mon have,
doubtless, unthinkingly been ongryod ins this traffio, but
with the light now pouring on the moral sense of the com-
munity, good mon cannot rauch longer deal in the acoursed
thing, Good mon have even commanded slave-ships, but
he who should now barter in the porsons and libertios of
his follow man, would be brandod with an infuny—indelible
as that of Cain, Yot intemperance has scizod on more
victims, inflicted more sufforing, instigated to more crime,

Vou owe tb to
mr AOtTO®, hy i)
whieh derives
the deaidod
wo atop Pirttos
pporanad lave
his poople tin
theatall menu
ao fire ae th
intomporancs
rong to Bupply
fed potson teap
Hinge the artiole,

. is nob ont all
bo orlminal to
nivory, then, he
siminnal EP a
ave, and aprond
royo of burning
up the oup fir
inal to inoErense
a very business
ion, and onerey
Food mon have,
this traffic, but
doy of the com-
ty the accursed
Inve-ships, but
nil liborties of
my _- indelible
vizod on more
© more crime,

\

HV. JORMPN ATTN CHI TM AM, ie

nocnsionod na perontor wate of life, and entailed a more
deplorable hondage, than the slave trade, with all the
horrora of ita burning villages, ite heart-rending separations

ita middle pasanye, its irons, and its bloody aeourve the
barbarian of ita shambles, and the hopelessness of its servi
tude, fF trast in Qod the time is not far distant, when
publi dontiment, redeemed from the infatuation of custom,
and purified from the degrading influones of cupidity, shall
doom it no less an outrage on humanity to land pon our
diace wn oargo OF brandy, than to disgorgze upon it a bhip-
load of famishod and manncled Africans,

While thas, ny brethren, by a patient continunnes in
prosoouting the loading aiins of henovolonce, you are secur.
ine YOUr OWN porKeverangs, and enhancing the vlory of
your final reward, what shall hinder a triumph over the
ites Of holl, in the experiones of your particular church,
any more than in the case of the individual believers, which
compose tt, OF of the charch universal, of which it forme a
part? What shall hinder that it may not be perpetuated
through futuro time, a rallying point of evangelism, a
radiating contre of healing influonae, and a nursery for the
ministry 2? What shall hinder, but your own neglect of
thoso monsuros, which may perpetuate your purity 7 what,
but your own guilt, which may provoke a holy God to com-
mand the clouds, that they rain not upon you, till you
become like a barren heath in the wilderness? Next to
thoso securities which shall prevent the goodly fabric in
which you worship “ Ohrist within us the hope of glory”
from being prostituted as the seat of formalism, the mere
lecture room of morality, or the judgment hall, where rude
profancness shall put the crown of thorns on the Redeemer’s
head afresh; next to the assurance of an evangelical and
L

sean am ag mnaat
Sana ia

Fee ~ Testa

$f, ee

nr pees

ncaa Ct MEN LLL AL AEN L IEA LD

ire Nt | ee

eH itiae ce tebimedi Te Ge aatedebiy. 0) een TO
Arete FARO TEEEEE EA Ere PRA tee CoE TEE ti bee tty
ehateedh HE erties peenecT tel tp a Choe Tien ag
aT ae HE ethene ate heb a Ooh lee anna
Whit Oh Tieton hii vehi bee Hie credited

Thtreniddo Pek THEE Te ete eet Peet oe TIE Tn bee ennd
7 prrtitiis ap tetiie, coe Eininat Hiv ow teeetbed ny orate bee bends
INTL RL LY CT Hi aieedoret Daetacetee oF tha Pith
ven (ad teeeidh ble bla aati te hii Tee ce tg wally, ths pil
HEHE EIOHTE RG a bo ebediqpeh Pine thie waitin cite Abhione, a
wolboding coal thee the (edtredietiede cablcedhy cb the
Veit ee ee Teh ciffite Glee pepe ret freiti ti
wipereowte Hho CT le weed ty Tree ea bbe me tinbodd the
THe iH eine, whiln itheopa, thoda ti his feared, ney precevokoul
nT) thaote lrotiliby i ayinburte isl holinl, hy ths ATE ee
Hlosh Phoae etoen arediona Gb oebhdivey relidee their
TY Cn et ocdibead Ha eoibea done bhede aoceok attaoh
ATT hivothoul soutlineita Thode tite Le Ue fin any
(had ol eotioe Lanwe no etiht a eeqetee borin GF adtindaetin,
whtol ano ot coated Tie tha New "Poatarnont Tele gerantod,
Wart they ate hound) to eequtee ta oandidatod Fee rterabor
eltporodiile ovidtonoe Het thay ree ateowdy amvtngly cnited
to tho Tred footie Ctredab, edi eco atid panet oF tha ey iden
daw toteod uh the tesethe Phhave Hover lenowe a oharoh,
howovor bebititdineebate tla forma oF eommenion, fF have
Hover mob will ae oneriy Of ereods, However votont be
avtory ayabnet the alandarda of the obetreb, that would
adindl to the pelvilogod of Oheiatinn fellowship, er thont any
vownnd to the peineiplos of the applionnt Ko tho limits of
ohatity wide or naerow, still every ohare tag its irate
No orthodos chureh, foe inatanes, would adinit a cnitarian or

wniversalist, No unitarian or aeiversaliat oharoh ail adit

aint TO
citiilatoe bee he
(hie llivoe ad
Pad Wee areal
lat
that thie beeend
capatiae be be pinita
Hiedea af thee Hath
aeothy, Ebro greets
Tee Hithiore,
aubhaaithy ah the
pile wee ide th
varied wobinabor the
eed, are provoked
this PATA Td Ld a
@y role thoi
rode Booed athaoh
‘4 preeeprerae fin any
da GE ben taeton,
sont. Tt ja cenaertol,
ladoa five drrorre bor
ly anvingly rirritorl
rt al this sy ilonn
lenowe nt ohaeroh,

j have

HATE CC CUNCPen
wovor victor Ii
grok, that world
alyip, ev Plyouib any
Ho the dirrritar of
she dyad Ths trratts
linitan rites ane or

ohuroh will adit

“are TRO PT Catena se } */*
yf

a Midhariiioctid ce Mea tiiet AT en and all hereehea. they
Ty Li '

hie uh thai ferns by wht ty frrcgeb dy bi | anil phys if dwlae
Af Hetiietion, alee eet bo roiled Phy ; i riserny non

4 ’

pirated vid ThactP tate thie eleegile (qideomeh tery SS hral) a AbrereeWe any
vedoe ta eatiafy theadlP hat a oandildate feliegae the frath eal
Hie eee ve VHA Ende Hen TH ee pent LAP AMM PT HA ae fe y orton
fuser reccrivatly Heiep bee hie enn Fite ti tereoating ce sty ye
ahallh ib eciih bee oe rtinge end a ay Nbrens oh bNeshabhaes Ary
bein ie hiv wn li lates minty preven ly wenrnink, ond havines
Todt

TT wanetih ler, WHE TtOllivanan and Aaliheritian % and
whieh qethacd olor Phe @eentewd preci, that whied
prec ry
lan virn " (inti fiat af Paithy, ‘ft ati phe inva firni te ya Aenvtiny s
diy tho rtd: (oe Pb abiedy eodiacn Th bay Phas eect Ante : p
Y yf

nepllel ttione Ahoy liyontod wal wetter Api tevin: Sf ye Ae
the wedenie GF tcrePomeiiin Corea tn mrrmnnnnithingd be prayer thet
whith bofiee wae feiatingg in the mind, mad tein A 4 tate
; y

ayahornahin Meraneornant that whinh wae prreevicniy iy Nise A F
a and RTA Gat ed Mi tran pond, (rpornting na a fact Of tt,
ry . Wha
tlt lestt principles Of mondidatod, rust axiet oithar oeal ae
written, anid aetna tran @ounld wall “toot biy that which se
drat borne beaneforred ton tosaloe and written form the
only Poni bits ibjoohion (tod not adiat noninet er aN
erheite andl mrttlan rood, break against tha farm ond ine
lonta of brood if the Obypoaterr Aanies anne Of the
, thas
findamontal teathe of Grr foligion, and is therofora hoatile
hoon Foren af denen wel, ye poranrys at Anne the afilitg
OF the eran, which has nlrondy separated the chaff from the
whoot, EP he hoe a good man, and embrades the evangelies!
avatom, and yoat omintaina that such ao sonfession a4 orae
made hy the Ki thiopion nobleman, 5 Sekiove that Diane

(‘} ria 4¢ . a ’ iy 4
iriatia the Son of Mad id As mach ae we im Ly Aenea

ene nia

lat hi Sia oe | she
iim be inatrasted, that ‘hat confession in the avostolie

C5 ATEN

wmrenie ane

ape anger

AP MATTCT ER FAR OH TEE

iri

wih HEETRTE Crane: Ee AE Ted frien Niidatyn
MATICAL U RMU ULC MC
vl Ne jit inne inv tn Td Chie ble eh We beiadan
rater blie WR CEN DR Tee HOTT pire ce Penk fie apttonttig
Mav qenhy Wak Ele MITTEN LP RIE A
EN GME tet ieee Veber i Ghee ed A the
erhy CUPWTE ELE: etitie GP DEEL ee preeettie fe Tet Tele Nie a
ATTTTIT TL CELL MLC CP
AYMAN ITTRRTLLITRTILRAR GORI) MLL LT Hponillly, pommel tine be
RE ENE ARETE Hirt paeiggetet hii, Petar: Ete bengali
HE HAH apretin UE broH liebe, eT anil tiielinty Vt hes tines
yrrutly WH Hee Coat aie lil te, OOD yc Trettiedi: Ute diet elitin
Havin til The Uhre aeeetpebreeee te Elie aqiramttine: te ae ge aii,
Vareh Veer cevtnanke Cherri ately prorootyn Wetodally, Te Gein ti
Te Win tine treed ings, Whiak Chee paeecie give, Ue Hila dwn
vvtreagetnaud ani MITT LRA LP
aoetitena Che Hietet ire Eig it The he meedptiteee bite tn
btn aeaeediy Che trmee arti hee ae boeeMoaadin OF tila hdl,
WW trate Ceti Ge Ere HE Meeetiie Detieeon Chl, mired yatee pal
Hii Gabe te Hct a coe timatine ately peegeneedl, fie hie
COTE Hd eek, Penk (the: atiiee eteeiiireatinie, thal
dha tattar another fe by Bie thie creat cerivontonk, oapeotally
TT OU CALL He dee EE erito, whe wohl Hdl no
Vitel HaMOUtE Cie Eheoweliig: Chote lowe Titi a boresct and
(vtotligitly (rete Tet the elitrehoa, however, ronmenher,
who they propo the topnid of Hlth on wlohe they will
atid without wliol thoy all not rooeive Tito thot) follow
abip Chat thoy nee anaiorable to the Great lend of the
Ctyvavet. Chat they be none other Chin the doeteinos of the
Now ‘Moatamonts Chat their contbssion he not so general a

to bo (adolindte, not so pactiouliae as to ombrnee points not |

eaavutial, and whiek the young boliover, whose oye yo

rh

TTR italy
LU Mc
Hii we beialyn
Wh dele Rte tirty
iy Heer Hee pebiiein
Tr) ee
Ofek tlie Die a
elaine gall y Tn
‘ poneqeedeltige the
ve Hee datreqetilile
Lante, UR The treet
hives (hes Hietetiion
dae eee Gitte,
ally, Tee ection ti
vive, Ue hile dwt
Wlliie TL what hw
yitireene bin roy dn
alone GE tla Flt,
ha, wel yee: gett
peognreedd, fine Iie
Veaieenatannee, Chal
Tn wapootally
ho wereld Hil no
Ho a OBESE atl
WOVOT, pote tnhor,
whiloly they will,
Hato thote fellow
wat Pond of the
doohelnos of tho

Sot ao general is

pihrnee points nol g

or, whose oye yet

LL LL v7

enable en Whi wenbenl TA A af thie erenh ne I eipibnenty hwy
TL Wd figure bs hinge waeveyerd with Ab aohend
able MEd ble WW biter dbuwmertivor Ufvee vorveePemmderey erence by
annitilaben Pe thie Oeetetiine eon eb eoyer tig

whales Geenidil oP Ceareibad beth wad ne raeee, th fey

hiv ise pitses biol UN thras Hehe precapnnndl at tie ev seth bd
anni We ciliietine, ahi Logeer cpportinition nad
tmnt id Pe bt fired Hines Credle Chien ber toerertene: Phe Gere

noutline mene Hipretinion af oyory poehat reveled teath, be
wine Mtb Heed melonaive Phat the ehiaeoh Of Obeid
miny Have Greed die lebornidinine the ohio line between
Hi onmettot weak the Pipuretint ft thre (rte Come aad the
Finnpousr tire nel pre ine the other, we nay resneert

aby atte tlt That the antieat indolones of the henner
mild tiny biewe led thea to adopt a het rood
ay the TaPatl le etandaed of teath tratend of maine vt
mon HunYOr OnE exproddon Of what they hadievad the
jnfulliile word of Gad te eontain, my be eoneladed
wilh equal mufity, And yor neither conclusion will warrant
id dn the pov tienes that onooda miny bes diapansed orith

Without then, the Rayer of Hineipline py eho the
horotio bo na vholabedt wbipralations, CC tthant ther. the
shitroh would produit to the world no exhibition ft i
aystorm Of heath whieh ahe prised and wanrded, and when
tho mind oF the enquirer waa drifting at random in the
pon Aen Of apooulation, or driving by night apon the hidden
rook Of error, no Naming henson would cast ita friendly
ry athwart tho darkness, Withoat them, there would Kd
no way Of learning the sentimnonts of associated bodies of
profonsl tg Ohristinns, in order to ascertain whether an anit
al fwith formed any common ground of fellowship and oo we
ration. Till f know that a minister preaches Jesus and his

eS

atin IP em wt Gate pomgne S e

€
|

1s MRMOTR OF THR

woapel, Teannot place myself beneath hie ministeations, Til
T know that a elurel bellowed fi that Pesta, and embrnens
his gospel, Teeannot place imyaelP at the table of tts com
wanton and Cl two ehoarehes be antiahod that enely other
Hold the common salvation, they ean never unite in any
common plan for the extension of the kingdom of Christ
Thoth some misguided men of worth join with others of
Houbttil integrity, and raise the ontery again every form
of sound words to the lotdeat note of vlolenee, let wa not,
Drothoon, relinquish a tneana of purity whieh the ehtureh of
Christ has in every age found of sneh essential importance;
amd beeanse our confession of fith may not be pertoet,
abandon it altogether, and prostrate every barrier that
separates the cardon of Christ from the wide wilderness of
the world. While we eneourage that aetivity of mind
whieh “proves all things,” let us retain the firmmeaa of pur:
pose whieh “Nolde fist that whieh is good.’ And if from
the strong hold of a seriptural ereed, from whenee the
invader has never been able to dislodge the truth, we ean
look with composure upon his fbeble efforts to Tay waste
the heart of our territory, why should we for the miserable
compensation of an enemy's praise of our liberality, throw
open our gates to the mareh of the destroyer? While
therefore you would retain the spouse of the Redeemer in
the unviolated sanetity of a “garden inelosed,” a spring
shut up,” “a fountain sealed,” “go thy way forth by the
yootsteps of the Fock. Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye
in the ways and see, and ask for the ofd paths, where is the
good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find: rest to your
souls.”

Tt is only so long as the ehureh is in the purity of her
doctrine “fair as the moon, in ec diffusiveness of her

fatentiona, TH
ne) embrnees
Whe of Tha eon
(hat enel other
er unite tn any
rdom of Christ
rv with othera of
nat every form
anee, leh wa not,
ty the ehurels of
tial dn portanee ;
y not be perfbet,
Ory barrier that
de wilderness of
tivity of mind
rftrmmnesa of pur:
SY Ad if from
om whenee the
he truth, we ean
ta to Tay waste
for the miserable
liberality, throw
atroyer 2? While
the Redeemer in
wed,” “a spring
vay forth by the
Lord, Stand ye
ithe, where is the
find rest to your

10 purity of her
isiveness of her

RAV. JOSHPH BTINNA CHRISTMAS 10

henevolonee “elone ns the aun,” that abe apperrs to the aye
af the beholder “henutiful na Tirsnh,” and to the nppre

honsion of her enemies terriblengan army with banners,”
It ia only so long aa you eontinne the (lepository and
cumrdinn Of the teath that your influence will be salutary
and hallowed. And itis only so long as it is such that you
may expoet the care of Tarnel’s unslumbering Watehman,
and the aafety of dwelling beneath the shadow of the
Almighty. Therefore is it that Pam so stronnous to con

firm your love of the trath, and to deepen your abhorrence
af error, While it is delightful to think that the various
denominations into whieh professing olristondom is divided
are working a for larger amount of good than a less spirited
unanimity would have sooured, while it is charitable to
helieve that these various seotions of Israel's camp are, in
their respeetive allotments, marching under the guidance
af the same cloudy pillar, it is still Christian to maintain
that there are errors fundamental and heresies damnable,
My brethren, you must expect to meet with those who,
clamorous for pease and fierce for toloration, will stigmatize
with puritanical perversoness the Christian fidelity which
will not assign to sincerity in error the place of obedience
to truth; whieh will not esteem it indifferent whether we
he the subjects of a radical moral change, or die with all
the elements of hell in our bosom; whether the Saviour on
whom we are to lean when our heart-strings are breaking in
death, be an arm of flesh, or the eternal God, the Father of
our spirits, and the Lord of that world on which we enter.
No! you cannot, as many of you as have been “ taught of
(Giod;”’ you cannot, as many of you as are illumined
hy reason— God's responsible gift—for a moment hesitate,
whether the difference between the two systems be not

i
;

160 MEMOIR OF THE

great, radical, and of hopeless breadth; a breach, wide and
deep as the sea, which no labor of charity can ever close, no
line of liberality ever span. And if the difference be thus
irreconcileable, I beseech you, by all that is important in
truth, by all that is transforming and transcendant in the
light.of the glory of God as it shines in the face of Jesus
Christ, never to think for one moment of coming down from
your high ground of inflexible principle, to treat with the
smooth-tongued disciples of error, the religious votaries of
the world, whether they be clothed in the more respectable
garb of the unitarian, or in the coarser habiliment of an
universalist. Be they irreproachable in civil life, respect-
able for their wealth, or desirable for their numbers, still
covet not their alliance. Their influence will secularize,
their wealth will corrupt, their .numbers overpower in all
leading questions, which involve the purity, and of course
the real prosperity of your Zion. But I need not enlarge,
for as on this point you are particularly exposed, se here
too I believe you are especially guarded. Of this I am the
more confident, as already in my absence, when one came
unto you and brought not the doctrine of Christ, you
received him not into your house of worship, neither bade
him “God speed.” (See 2 John ix. 10.) It was a good
precedent, and shows with what solemnity you have pon-
dered the question, “ If the foundations be destroyed, what
shall the righteous do?”

There is yet another topic, on which I wish to communi-
cate a few thoughts, and that is the subject of religious
revivals. ‘The progress of these extraordinary manifesta-
tions of divine power has in this country, been long
identified with the progress of vital piety; and the man who,
acquainted with their nature, does not hail their extension,

each, wide and
n ever close, no
ference be thus
s important in
scendant in the
1c face of Jesus
ming down from
o treat with the
xi0US votaries of
more respectable
habiliment of an
ivil life, respect-
ir numbers, still
s will secularize,
overpower in all
y, and of course
need not enlarge,
exposed, s¢ here
Of this I am the
>, When one came
e of Christ, you
hip, neither bade
) It was a good
y you have pon-
e destroyed, what

wish to communi-
bject of religious
Ninary manifesta-
ntry, been long
and the man who,
| their extension,

®

r

¥

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 161

is justly suspected of being offended with the purest speci-
mens of the power of godliness on earth. By these effusions
of the Spirit, the most high God has in latter times distin-
guished this land above all others, and almost designated
the inheritance of our pilgrim fathers, as “the land of
promise.” And I look upon it as a most auspicious token

, for Canada, that it has been already visited with that most
glorious form of the dispensation of the Spirit. It was like
offering before the altar of the Lord, the wave-sheaf of the
first fruits, by which the whole harvest becomes consecrated
to God, and a pledge is given that the entire productions
of the year shall yet be joyously gathered in. It was like
merking and sealing your province with the earnest of
redemption, and designating its populous extent as the seat
of revivals, when along the peaceful shores of its majestic
river, and through the neat and smiling villages of its fertile
plains, salvation shall roll its gladdening streams, and “the
light of life” throw a brighter tinge over all the associations
of its landscapes. Oh! my brethren, let not the coal
kindled from heaven upon your altar be extinguished, tall
the sacred fire be conveyed in many a direction, and lighted
in many a place around you.

But you know well, that the subject is not thus favor-
ably regarded by the great body of protestants in the pro-
vince. Ministers and people, and even those in whom there
appears “something good towards the Lord God of Israel,”
have viewed the revival, with which we are blessed, with
scorn, suspicion or indifference, according as the state of
their moral feelings, and the point of their observation
modified their impression. While one worthy clerical
brother, who turned aside to examine the character of this
religious phenomenon, new to him, exclaimed, that the

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162 MEMOIR OF THE

finger of God was in it of a truth, and has since rejoiced in
the fruits of such a season of refreshing from the presence
of the Lord, among his own people, another clergyman of
my acquaintance, has told me, that T should regret ever
having had a part in such a seene cf fanaticism and
delusion, You know how often ithas been repeated in the
outskirts of our camp, and how chill an intimidation it has
thrown into the hearts of less informed and courageous
brethren, that, “ there were no revivals in Great Britain 5”
at the same time insinuating, that as they were a peculiarity
of the western world, they could be no desirable or genuine
form of Christianity; may, that they were a monstrous
exereseence of feeling, from which the piety of Kurope
was happily free. But is it true, let me ask, that
there have been no revivals in that land of noble deeds, and
hallowed associations ? Not to revert to the scenes of the
Reformation, when rapid and simultaneous conversions
were everywhere oceurring, what is the testimony of Gillies’
Historical Collections, of Fleming’s Scripture Fulfilled,
the narrative of the Cambuslang Revival, and the lives of
such men as Baxter, Wesley, Whitefield, Grimshaw, Ber-
ridge, and a host of others? It is true, their mantles have
not fallen upon men of like spirit and power. No Boaner-
ges of the British pulpit at the present day, carries that
demonstration of the Spirit into the darkness of the heart ;
or, moving with their moral power, throws such extensive
consternation and defeat into the ranks of sin. There xe
inany there who adorn the ministry with the rich treasures
of learning, sacred and profane. Many there are who bring
the splendor of genius, the ardor of piety, and the
eloquence of feeling under the tribute of Immanucel’s service.
An increasing number labor within the two Establishments

rejoiced in
10 presence
lergymar of
regret ever
ticism and
cated in the
ation it has
courageous
it Britain ;”
i peculiarity
yor genuine
1 monstrous
of Kurope
o ask, that
» deeds, and
cones of the
conversions
y of Gillies’
‘eo Fulfilled,
the lives of
ishaw, Ber-
nantles have
No Boaner-
arries that
the heart ;
1 extensive
There 2ro
hh treasures
» who bring
r, and the

el’s service.
blishments

RBV, JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS, 163

and without, with the tokens of God's blessing on their
ministrations, manifested in the inoreasing spirituality of
Ohristians, and constant, and sometimes unusual accessions
tothe number of the professing brethren. But. still, what
may be termed revivals, in the extent, rapidity, frequency,
and Pentacostal power of those which characterize the
United Stutes, are there unknown. If the fact were
doubted, it could bo casily confirmed by the statements
of their own writers, and religious journalists. How shall
we answer the question then, that revivals do not occur in
the pure churches, and beneath the pious ministrations of
Britain ? We dare not say that the Spirit, in his more extra-
ordinary operations, is restricted to this side of the ocean.
Nor may we resolve it into a matter of unsearchable
sovercignty. ‘The constituted connection between human
exertion and the divine blessing, authorizes us in the con-
clusion, that there must be an adequate moral cause in the
transatlantic churches, to account for their destitution of
the richer blessings conferred on the Zion of the new
world. May it not resolve the difficulty to ascertain,
whether the churches of Britain, after all the promises of
faith’s omnipotence in prayer, ever supplicate, or having
supplicated, ever expectsuch manifestations of the Redeem-
or’s power over the hearts of men? A few individuals,
animated by the accounts they have received of American
revivals, have begun to associate and plead, if peradventure
the Lord would in like manner open the windows of
heaven upon them; but the smallness of their numbers is
conclusive, that the churches in a body, have not put them-
selves in the attitude of agonizing, and prevailing inter-
cession with that God, who “will be inquired of by the
house of Israel for these things.” ‘The enquiry may again

164 MEMOIR OF THE

be pertinently made, whether our British brethren in the
ministry, notwithstanding all that is respectable in their
acquirements, and lovely in their piety, and attractive in
their ministrations, do ever distinctly aim as the result of
their labors at such apostolical displays of all-conquering
grace, do ever secure the co-operation of their church
members to obtain a grand concentration of human means,
and divine energy to bear upon the unconverted portion of
their charge? It may be asked, whether with an impres-
sive sense of their own utter helplessness, yet laying hold
on the strength of the Most Mighiy, and keeping their
heart, and their eye steadily fixed on the great object to be
secured, they follow up the impression made by one portion
of pungent truth, with the exhibition of another of still
more convincing power ; and not content, while one method
of awakening remains untried, carry the awful claims of
religious obligation to the private abode of every slumbering
sinner? Ifa conclusion may be drawn from all the data
respecting the state of the pastoral function, which can be
collected by one who has aever been actually on the spot,
these things are never done with that emphasis of feeling
and action, which is frequently exemplified in this country
of revivals. Ifthen we are not mistaken in our estimate
of the state of feeling with regard to revivals in the
churches of our transatlantic brethren, and of the state of
that ministerial exertion usually necessary for their produc-
tion; we are furnished with a sufficient answer to the
objection we have heard so often repeated in Canada, by
those who would call into quesiion those glorious things
which God had done for us, and whereof we were glad.
May we not also hope, that the attention which this subject
is beginning to awaken in the English community, will

ren in the
le in their
tractive in
e result of
sonquering
eir church
nan means,
portion of
an impres-
aying hold
ping their
bject to be
me portion
er of still
yne method
1 claims of
slumbering
1 the data
ich can be
the spot,
of feeling
is country
r estimate
ws in the
e state of
ir produc-
rr to the
anada, by
us things
rere glad.
is subject
nity, will

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 165

conduct their discrimination and their candour to the true
cause of their destitution of these more remarkable triumphs
of Zion’s King, and that ere long there will arrive on the
wings of every eastern wind, the glad report, that the
Redeemer has girded his sword upon his thigh, and in his
majesty, is riding prosperously, because of meekness, and
truth, and righteousness. I would that those who object to
the work of grace in a revival because it is so rapid and
extensive, would consider a moment that the prayer, which
perhaps they daily present for the salvation of al/ men, if
answered, would be followed by a revival, which in order
to snatch men from the bondage of sin, before they are
consigned to the unalterable condition of the dead, must
from henceforth be co-extensive with the inhabited earth!
Benevolence surely would not object to a state of things
essential to the salvation of mankind, and yet if conversions
occurred no more frequently than deaths, the whole face
of the world would present the aspect of one vast revival.
Never then let one feeling of chilling doubt, or timid shame,
cross your mind, with regard to those events in which the
church has rejoiced, and angels been glad ; events in which
candor may perceive the repetition of New Testament
scenes, faith recognize the fulfilment of the divine promises,
and benevolence hail, as the only way in which an apostate
world may speedily return to God. Be especially guarded
against that spirit of supineness, which having enjcyed a
portion of reviving influence, is averse to the exertion
essential to the reception of more; and watch against that
tincture of fatalism, with which good men are prone to lull
themselves, and one another, when sleeping at the post of
duty, by saying, ‘The time to build the temple of the
Lord has not yet come; when the set time to favor Zion

”

166 MEMOIR OF THE

has arrived, we shall enjoy those blessings, which
come not according to the will of man, but when
inscrutable sovereignty shall appoint.’’ In this, the lan-
guage of our indolent hearts, there is a deceitful blending
of truth with error, and a wicked evasion of present obliga-
tion. For is not a revival, in its two leading features of
elevated piety in the church and frequent conversions in
‘the congregation, in the first place, precisely what Chris-
tians ought, and may always feel; and in the second, what,
in answer to prayer, they might always expect and enjoy ?
Is it not always the time to build the temple of the Lord,
so long as it lies dilapidated with the wastes of many
generations? and is not the time, yea, the set time, for God
to arise and have mercy on Zion, that very time, when his
‘“‘ servants take pleasure in her stones and favor the dust
thereof?” And shall we with promises so large, and pre-
cepts so explicit, disbelieve the one, and disobey the
other, and then take refuge under the secret will and
sovereign purposes of God, which were never intended as
our rule of action? ‘ Wherefore, my beloved brethren,
be ye stedfast and unmovable, always abounding in the
work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor
is not in vain in the Lord.”

During four years past, I have testified to you the Gospel
of the grace of God, I have sedulously avoided all curious
questions, doubtful disputations, and every subject whose
radiations do not branch into the very heart of Christianity.
The Heart-searcher is witness that I have been anxious to
engrave such truths upon your minds, as it were worthy an
immortal spirit to bear recorded on the tablets of the heart,
and such as I knew must one day be exhibited as evidence
of what was written on my own. In unfolding the message

gs, which

but when

s, the lan-
il blending
sent obliga-
features of
\versions in
what Chris-
cond, what,
and enjoy ?
f the Lord,
es of many
me, for God
e, when his
vor the dust
ge, and pre-
Hisobey the
ret. will and
intended as
d brethren,
ing in the
your labor

the Gospel
all curious
ject. whose
hristianity.
anxious to
> worthy an
f the heart,
ns evidence
he message

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 167

which I have been charged to deliver and enforce, you
cannot have forgotten, that the factof your alienation from
God lay at the very base of all: —a depravity commencing
with the first actual exercise of every human moral agent ;
—a depravity not seated in some physical defect anterior
to actual sin, beyond the control of the will, and of course
without the limits of moral government ;—a depravity which
no array of motives, no apparatus of means ever has, or ever
will be able to subdue; a depravity of so deadly a virus,
that notwithstanding all the fair morality, the sentimental
admiration, or the fond love of reflected selfishness which
unrenewed humanity daily exhibits, is stillrank and bitter
enmity against the character and government of Jehovah
the Supreme. You remember too, how, notwithstanding
this desperate wickedness of the heart, the claims of the
law in all the perfection of its obedience, and a compliance
with the Gospel in all the spirituality of its meaning, have
been urged upon you, and urged with a fearless conviction,
that depravity constituted no good reason for the non-
performance of duty. In connection with the fact that you
can, but of your own accord never will change your hearts,
you have been taught, that if ever it takes place, it will be
by a divine influence, and that this divine influence may,
or may not be communicated to you, by a sovereign God
whose law you have broken, and whose grace you resist in

_those very prayers which anxious unregeneracy will offer,

and awakened impenitence pour forth. Still the duty of
prayer, holy and genuine prayer; has been urged upon all
without exception. Such repentance as ensures the for-
saking of sin, and such faith in the atoning merits of
Jesus, as includes a renunciation of every false ground of
pardon, and a cordial acceptation of grace abounding

a ns ————

cae ate eo eee es :
ii er rn eRe Ree R aap tbc oe ‘Seale

168 MEMOIR OF THE

through righteousness, have been proclaimed as the terms
of the Gospel resonciliation, You have been instructed
too, that the faith which accompanies pardon is accom-
panied by love;—that holy, disinterested, supreme, and
fervent approbation of God and his ways ;—that impartial
benevolence to men as creatures ;—-and that complaceney in
the saints as holy creates, which fulfils the law as far as
it exists, by leading ‘o ‘hv exercise of every Christian grace,
and every moral virius. ‘Lhe perfection, spirituality, and
sanctions of the law have beci in a measure developed, and
most distinctly has it been announced, that human charac.
ter undergoes no essential moral change after the article of
death, which “ fixes him that is holy” in a state where he
shall “ be holy stil,” and “ him that is filthy” in that world
where, in the absence of all restraining and all sanctifying
influences, he shall be forever and forever “ filthy still.”
These truths, in the effectual belief of which consists the
world’s salvation, have been exhibited to you according to
the feeble measure cf my ability in every impressive manner
I could invent, repeated in the forni of didactic discussion
and earnest exhortation, in the shape of petition to God,
and entreaty to man, of public preaching, and private
instruction, in the sanctuary, and from house to house.
In the tremendous progress of such a moral process, ‘“‘ many
have been purified and made white and tried,” but many
of “the wicked still do wickedly.” Some lave been exas-
perated, and walked no more with us. Some, to escape
the obligation which the truth involves, have courted errors
and become the dupes of lies. Some, after pungent awaken.
ing, have reverted to a state which makes it the less likely
that the evil spirits of indifference and stupidity will ever
be driven from their “ swept and garnished”’ residence. Some

the terms
instructed
is accom-
‘ome, und
, impartial
placeney in
w us far as
tian grace,
uality, and
sloped, and
an charac:
oe article of
ce where he
that world
sanctifying
y still.”
ponsists the
cording to
ive manner
discussion
on to God,
nd private
ke to house.
ss, ‘‘ many
but many
been exas-
p, to escape
rted errors
t awaken.
less likely
y will ever
nce. Some

REV, JOSEPIL STIBBS CHRISTMAS, 169

who worshipped with us, have gone to that world where the
“trong conviction of tliose eternal realities has burst upon
(noir unsealed vision, and have been there convinced of
those doctrines, which charity can gather no reason to
i lieve were ever cordi:lly embraced in this world of
merey’s reign. ‘iow solemn the reflection to you and to
me, that many have already passed to their unchange-
able destinies, with a moral character which reecived its
last moulding impression from my ministry! And if that
be a solemn consideration, is it not a distressing one, thot
there are some who are now less hopeful candidates “or
holiness and heaven, than they were before my connes!to;

with you; some who, having neglected the day of the:
merciful visitation, have “the things which belong ts | hei:
peace forever hid from their eyes ;” some who, “ now joined
to their idols,’ God and his Providence, and ministers, and
Spirit will henceforth let alone? When [ think that per-
haps a little more pains-taking on my part, a little more
travail of the heart in prayer, a little more labor of the
intellect in the presentation of motives, a little more toil of
the body in following you with the entreaties 0% solicitude
to your dwellings, might possibly have saved some one, I
feel that there may be a propriety in adopting the Psalmist’s
petition, ‘ Deliver me from blood-quiltiness, O God, thou
God of my salvation.” If there be those, with respect to
whom fidelity demanded more exertion, or those upon
whom fidelity was exerted in vain, let me, dying men, this
once renew my expostulation; and, as a friend embarked
from the shore, waves his hand when his voice can no longer
be heard, let me make this last appeal to your consciences,
in the only mode that is now left me: “TI am pained at my
very heart, I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast
M

———
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Wwe VWREMOIR OF Tie

Hoard, Os my aout, the somind of the Cramped, the nlaein of
Wars

Wold to God, (hat with a pen of iron nnd the point ot
vo diamond, Teontld weite upon the mind of every tre
ovyerate tan whom bE addvesa, the awlhl eouvietion, that
Nis Heart fe to ita very eore ditional to infinite loveliness,
and that with anid eiining counter tothe mind of God,
vo wet Cool disaatiofiod and miserable in any part of Peho
vals dominions, where hia eharmeter ia exhibited and lite
gyveriment maintained | Need he any longer marvel that
the lips of Wnehangeably truth, iy conformity to the ever
lasting principles of the divine administration, have ngatired
Win that he “mist be bern aeain ?' Wold that) te
roalivod, that having by the very bent of hia heart, ag well
as (he whole direetion of hia Tite, already sinned, he is
almoady condemned by a holy law, ineapable of satisfying its
demands, or restoring its honor by any equivalent of
obedionee, ov suffering, and that the eternal Son of God,
by the most wonderfil movement yet recorded: in the
chronicles of eternity, has done every thing that juation and
the interasts of empire made neeessary for the pardon of
every human being, but seenre their respeetive and eordial
aveoptanee of the great salvation. And will you not respee
tively and cordially accept ? Will you not ove the Lord Cod ?
and loving Him, ean you fail to repent of your aggravated
offences against him, and feeling the insuficioney of repent
anee, Will you not lay your hand on the head of the atoning
Tab, and so lay hold on eternal lite? Or will you persist
in sin and die ?—'Then Teall heaven and earth to witness
that T am pure from your blood, Oh! when we shall meet
at the judgment bar of Christ, you shall not accuse me,
that T have cried peace, peace, when there was no peace,”

(he atari of

the point ol
every tire
wiethon, Clint
to loveliness,
winnie of (dod,
TO ol Jeho
ited and hie
yomarvel (hat
y to the ever
have neared
cil tliat he
hoart, aa well
aime, he is
Pantial'y ing ile
vpivatent ol
1 Son of God,
corded in the
at juation TK
(he pardon at
ve and eordial
OU Wok VEapee
he Lord God ?
ur aggravated
ney of repent
ot the atoning
ill you persist
rth to witness
we shall meet
Lob NACUBO NC,

yas NO Peace,”

WAY,

TOPO STEM COPIA MAS 7]

Honled the toret of the danehter of Gion wlightly,"” ane
Prophediod the decoite af ing own heart Mor t have not
ahinned to deelive fo you all the eoundel of God! i ,
wold heembly treat with all Cithtil ministers a
pean Hat “owe nreunte Choad a ewaed, anver of Oliviat fi
them that periah,” na well ma (4 HTS n
And ehinlt aa of imy din i al hed ain seh y

Tiroiggl TP lenew nob whe they he, or how i Weil pa
‘ vy, yok T ean
not doubt the thet without the reversion of every moral
probability. (dh! then, lot ine weep over you abet ach
the judgment aent, awed into perfoot sev biel
lneid developments of the CR tae ri -
= Judgment oF God,” I

Ahall not CIP not myself a enstaway) bo permitted to wee
over those from whom the howndloss inorey of God /” pai
vone forever, Ro have geen you in thone minor Nsfebeida
of life, when your heart ling looked for those soniniilana
whieh v postor’a sympathy might impart, to have tala
your bodily anguish, or have grieved over your steel
unfitness, when about to pass the tremendous enit of pro-
bation, were ononvh for human endurance; but what, lost
eoul! ia this to the second death—to the sensations ovtlal
will harrow your heart at our next mesting, when there
shall come crowding on your mind all the recollocttons of
aabbaths which eamo and wont without improvement
exhortations which were heard and forgotten without
amendment; of ministers who spent their strength and wore
out their frame without blessing yous of the Holy Spirit
whose strivings wore resisted till ho left you without pay
version; of tho great salvation brought within your very
grasp but not embracod; and a Saviour, whose ‘blood was
shed that you might count itan unclean thing! Oh how will
you feel, when you shall look upon him whom you have piere-

for at

pas me tO NN mE AAI em i

SOB RR oP

Amt

172 MEMOIR OF THE

ed, and see the incensed Judge upon the great white throne
to be the Jesus whom I have preached and you rejected!
“Oh ! that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain
of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of
the daughter of my people.”’
I turn from these saddening reflections to drop a few
lines to my professing brethren. We have seen the little
band, who, united by the tie of covenant and the badge of
profession, formed the nucleus of our infant church, at
every commemoration of the death of their risen Saviour,
enlarged by encouraging accessions. But it is safe to
rejoice with trembling, and reasonable to expect, that “ all
are not Israel who are of Israel.’’ It will be so as long as
those who hold the key of admission are fallible men; as
long as there are candidates who deceive themselves or
may deceive others, It is not necessary to tell you, that
.to be enrolled in the register of the church is no evidence
that your name is recorded among “ the living in Jerusa-
lem.”’ But it is highly important that you should be aware
of the danger of being unconsciously a dead branch on the
living vine, and cherishing ‘‘a hope which shall perish with
the giving up of the ghost.” It is enough to make the
blood of any one, who has not attained tae full assurance of
his Christian integrity, freeze in his veins, when he considers
the causes which may operate in the production and con-
tinuance of fatal delusion. Consider a moment the possi-
bility, that those religious exercises from which you date
the commencement of your Christian existence, may have
been the counterfeit operations of selfishness, excited by the
mere love of happiness and attachment to any thing which
relieves its fears or favors its views. How easily may
anxiety for one’s state be mistaken for conviction of his

a

hite throne
u rejected |
3a fountain
the slain of

drop a few

n the little

he badge of

church, at

sen Saviour,
| is safe to
+t, that “ all
so as long as
ble men; as
nemselves or
ell you, that
sno evidence
g in Jerusa-
ld be aware
anch on the
| perish with
to make the
assurance of
he considers
ion and con-
nt the possi-
ch you date
e, may have
kcited by the
thing which
y easily may
iction of his

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 173

guilt ; the pleasure arising from the belief of dangers past,
for joy in the Holy Ghost and peace in believing; anda
fond attachment to God arising from the mere apprehen-
sion that he has become the sinner’s particular and
unchangeable friend, be substituted for that genuine love of
God which is founded on a sense of his own intrinsic love-
liness, and which will continue to exist whether he is
viewed as reconciled or not. How likely is it that a hope
thus insufficiently embraced will be sedulously cultivated,
from the pride of consistency, the strength of self-com-
placency, and the love of ease; that formality may be
mistaken for devotion, and after so much having been done
for the attainment of salvation, the mind be slow to enter-
tain the conviction that it has all been done in vain.
Consider, that professors by the very ground they have
taken, have placed themselves where they are above the
range of those arrows of truth which are directed against
the impenitent, and by their very familiarity with the
topics of religion, and the customary frequency with which
they appear in that presence where Gabriel bows; if their
hearts be not touched by a sanctifying influence, must
necessarily lose their sense of the awfulness of sacred
things, and with it, their susceptibility of religious impres-
sion, and every ordinary probability of genuine conversion.
Consider that Satan and your own heart are leagued to
perpetuate the mistake by every expedient of self-flattery,
till death shall strip the bandage off, and the light of
eternity shall pour on the mind the overwhelming conviction
of suicidal, of remediless ruin! If any other cons ‘deration
were wanting to make one afraid lest he should rove at
last to have been a “sinner in Zion,” and share in the
fearfulness that shall’ “ surprise the hypocrites,” it is the

-

ie eee re A ee oO

174 MEMOIR OF THE

fact that so few professors of religion ever experience a
mora] renovation after they have once classed themselves
with the followers of the Lord Christ; a fact which a
righteous judgment compels us to explain, not by the
purity of the churches, but by the hopelessness of self-
deception. But, brethren, I would “hope better things
of you, even things that accompany salvation, though I
thus speak.”

I have been honored to be the instrument of the spiritual
renovation of most of you :—to most of you, I hope, too, a
helper of your faith, and a promoter of your joy, This was
to me a delight, which He who “holds the seven stars in
his right hand,” disposing of them as he will, no longer
allows. Still, however, my interest in your welfare shall
not cease. My prayer shall still be in your affliction, my
thanksgiving in your prosperity. With solicitude I look
forward to your various and weary progress heavenward.
Trials, temporal and spiritual, lie before every one of you
that are the children of God. If you would take the experi-
ence of one who has made larger trial of the divine good-
ness since he last addressed you than ever, “ Trust in the
Lord. O, Israel, trust thou in the Lord; he is their
help and their shield.” “ It is better to trust in the Lord,
than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the
Lord, than to put confidence in princes.” With Christ in
the vessel, fear not but you shall outride the storm; and
though he may seem to sleep, “his heart waketh,” and when
best, he will show his command over the elements of nature,
as well as the dominions of mind. If he think it best to
conduct you through affliction, he can make , vur trials
like the darkness of night, which, while it hides this world
from our vision, discovers to our view others, till then

xperience a
themselves
ict which a
not by the
ess of self-
tter things
1, though I

the spiritual
hope, too, a
y. This was
sven stars in
1, no longer
velfare shall
ffliction, my
tude I look
heavenward.
y one of you
e the experi-
divine good-
Trust in the
he is their
in the Lord,
trust in the
th Christ in
storm; and
h,” and when
ts of nature,
hk it best to
jvur trials
ps this world
s, till then

r]

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS, 175

unseen. Above all things, strive fcr greater attainments
in piety. God will be your very present help, if you sted-
fastly aim at the perfection of your sanctification, and the
enjoyment of those unclaimed rights which lic scaled with
9 . e .

the Redeemer’s blood. The object is practicable. A higher
standard is attainable; “for it is God that worketh in you

. . ’
both to will pi to do of his good pleasure.” Shall sloth

¢ - }
prevent? “ What, can ye not watch one hour,” for the
attainment of that for which your Saviour avonized ? Your
very temporal happiness is involved in the decision of this
question. Themen of this world may have a portion here,
1 * °

but the sons of God, the heirs of heaven, will not be allowed
the same satisfaction in the pleasures of sin. If they will
not walk in the light of God’s countenance, this earth shall
be to them shrouded with desolation. Why should you
shrink from a “closer walk w. ) ‘sod? What iniquity
have you found in Him? iias He been “a wilderness
unto Israel—a land of darkness?” Or have you not
uniformly found your dil’gence abundantly repaid, by the
composure of your mind, ‘\y the pleasantness of his service,
by the indulgence of your hopes, the enlargement of your
experience, and the success of your endeavors to serve
Him? Is it nothing to you that you will honor God by
eminent piety ; and that you are placed in those circum-
stances, where true religion so peculiarly needs the silent
and convincing illustration of holy lives? Brethren, you
do not, you cannot appreciate how much your every day
conduct is determining the weight of your own eternal
glory, how much it is moulding the character and destiny
of immortal minds, on which you are hourly leaving per-
manent impressions, which are not one of them indifferent,

but all salutary or mischievous. lay aside, then, every

a ne Sa Ne OT ee Le Ree

MEMOTR OF TITE

weight that would retard; abandon every eoipany that
would pollute: relinquish every habit that would obatruet
the evewth or the eomfort ef relieton in your hearts. “ Tet
thine eve be sinale, and thy whole body shall be fill of
lieht.” Let yewr spirit be rioht, and your worldly business
shall be no obstruetion, but the very eommionest employ:
ents of life shall be oeeasions of servine the Kine of
heaven, and the most familiar ohjeeta of nature and events
of providenee, be so many ministers of dustruetion and
means of araee, Phus may you find a living well in | pag
sing the valley of Baea’ and po from streneth to
stroneth, tilleaeh “in Zion shall appear before God.” “Seon
our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.’ There
is but a step between us and death. © Rrethren, the ¢ime
ig short: if vremaineth, that both they that have wivea, be
as thoneh they had none; and they that weop, as though
they wept nets and they that rejoice, as though they
rejoived not, and they that buy as though they possessed
not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it; for
the fashion of this world passeth away.” Tow rapidly have
Tseen it changing within: the little eivele of our eonerega-
tion, within the revolutions of four years! Mhrough what
varieties of sickness, through what fluetuations of property,
through what diversities of condition, have L seen some of
you pass! How many who went to the house of God in
company with us, are seattered in their various dispersions ;

some to the boundless contiguity of the wilderness,
' Where no shepherd's tents appear.’

and others to more favored loealities of the Redeemer’s

presenee and institutions, These losses have been supplied

pany that
Wd ohatruet
parta, © Tet
Wobe Pall of
Ny Dusiness
reat employ
he Wine of
yand events
rietion and
vell in ‘pas
atrength to
fod? “Soon
em.” There
en, the time
ve wives, be
. as though
hough they
'y possessed
sine it; for
rapidly have
AY COnRTeRA-
ough what
of property,

een some of

vot God in
lispersions ;

ORS,

Redeemer’s

on supplied

‘REV. JOSEPH STEBDS CHRISTMAS, 177

hy more, who, tumming to us, as the people of the living
(lod, have anid,

“Brethren, where your altar burns,
OW, receive tainto reat!

Already we have seen severalof our brethren and sisters
falling asleep in Jesus, and have followed them with hoping
sorrow to the grave, over which the sward even now waves
green, “The fashion of this world pas a away.’ No
more as your pastor shall Teo in and out before you ;—ne
more our supplications be mingled for Zion's good ;—or our
tHhankagivings be united for supplieations heard. TL know
that a part, perhaps the whole of you, shall never see my
free again, Bui the Gospel which you have not been
ashamed to embrace as men, which Phave not been ashamed
to preach as a minister, and which none of us ought to be
ashamed to die for as martyrs, stamping such value on the
immortal soul, diseloses the blessedness of “ the dead who
die in the ord.’ Whatif the world, like the shadow ofa
dial has passed, even while looked on, the Sun of Right-
eousness has riten on the great eyele of eternity, never to
set! = =What if “ one ehureh above,” beneath we are parted
hy the swellings of Jordan, we shail meet when safe arrived
on the other side, Ts it not natural to believe and pleasant
to anticipate, that members of the same church, soldiers in
the same ‘saeramental host,’ who have on earth mingled
their prayers in the same aspiration, and laid their saeri
ficos on the same altar, will, as they arrive one after another,
wait at the pearly gates, and welcome each other in, as
“tho blessed of the Lord.” What a meeting will that be,
when each of us, having come up out of great tribulation,

and washed our robes and made them white in the blood

178 WRMOTR OF TR

Of the Tambo owe hall how with the nattitudeaoe (he
redoomod befire Che throne, aee the Savinwe ma he de. and
love Tins as we onohtet Tow delight then to look baek
onall the away Che Gord haa led te, "to reeonnt the labore
Of om feet to stand surprised at the foinpintiona we lave
pseaped. fa vead tho fferpretation of Hispenantiona Chat
nee Mowned cheerless and myaterionanpon ua, to view the
street of the Taw as annihilated, and the bitterneaga of
Heath as past, do took forward te the ineroaaing glories of
Mossial’s reign, and adore and rejoiee fioever that we have
heen built yp eomponent parteot that eternal fomple, whieh
reeeveN WoW Pisine, fhe admiration of other worda, without
the sound of “Tanmer, or axe, or any fool of iron.”

With the thouotts of that meeting, whieh willtake place
bofore many yoars, with the bright progpeeta of that world
Whieh will soon stand diselosed to ag many of ta ag are the
followers of the Lamb, lot ug animate oureolvea in the toil
some strife against sin, Let us weave a song of rejoleing in
the house ofour pilorimage and the land efour exile, Mean
While, dear Drothren. if ye have estoomed me fithtulin the
Lord if there be any consolation in Ohrist, iWany comfort of
lowe i any follow ship of the Spirit, any bowela and moreiog,
if Uhaveever administered aeup of eold water tothe thirsting
sonlota diseiple, lene not perish Crom your remembrance,
let me mot be forgotten in your prayors, that Dray glorify
Glad in the fire and iit be His will that E eome out of it,

} may be a purified son of Levi, and be again promoted te

be a hewer of wood and a drawer of water in the serviee of
level's God A that in-some humble measure [may
st » the pretume an apostle drow of himeelt

don every side, yet not distressed > we

aparr | porsoouted, but not for

Hoaal (he
he de, tn
look baek
the labora
ya we have
iva Cleat
ho view the
Herne of
» vlories of
Wii we have
ple, which
la, without
an
Linke plave
that world
tnaare the
in the toil
rejoleing in
xile, Mean
(htulin the
comfort of
il nereies,
io thirating
rombranee,
y “plorify
ooh of Ut,
‘omotod to
) aOryled of
ure Lo omay
Mf limeclt
‘oased | We

ut not for

WHY, JOSH ATER CHRIS EM AS 170

ahem, enet down, Dat not destroyed Oopproving on

delved nea Che ministers of Gad by honor and dishonor, by
evil report TL repork, na dooei vers and yeh trie, ns
tnknown, and yeb well known, as dying, and behold: we
live; nasehnetened, and not killed) na sorrowhal, yet always
rejoleing ; ona poor, yet making mony rich, as having
nothing, ancl yet PORBO SATE all Chine” inally, brethren,
rAarnnwheietl Te perfeot, be of good comfort, he of one
mind, live in pense, and the God of love and. pence

ahall be with you. That your whole spirit, and soul, and

hody, be preserved flameless unto the coming of our Lord

Joana Olviat, ia the prayer of
Your affectionate pastor,

Josnen &. Creimemae

Danbury, (Conn, ) September, Laas

1LS0 MEMOIR OF TIE

The following is extracted from the “ Annals of the
American Pulpit,” published in 1858.

KFROM TUE REV, HENRY WILKES, D.D,
Montreal, L. C., December 10, 1848.

Rev. AND DEAR Sir: To note down some recollections of
the gifted and now sainted Christmas, is a task affecting, yet
pleasant. [tis fitting that your forthcoming work should
contain a sketch of the character and course of this young
American clergyman, who, though early removed to his
reward, was distinguished by no ordinary qualities, and was
favored with more than usual success during his brief
ministry. Lovely in his life, his memory is still fragrant
after the lapse of eighteen years. One loves to recall his
dignified and graceful mien, his blameless life, his powerful
utterance of the truths of God, and his untiring, earnest
conseeration of all his faculties to the one object of his
life—the glory of Christ in the salvation of souls. Most
profitable is such an exercise of the memory, too often en-
cumbered with things of little value, It is refreshing to

dwell a while on one “ who feared God above many,” and
who has left behind him a bright example of devotedness to
Christ’s cause.

A calm review, at this distance of time, gives vise to the
conviction that his was a special mission to this Northern
frontier of American Christendom,-—designed to begin a
work of spiritual amelioration, which, receiving then an
impulse and an impression, has steadily advanced until this
present, through various channels, and in quarters and by
instruments then unlooked for. A quarter of a century
has passed away sinee that mission was introduced, and

1s of the

DD.
), 1848,

llections of
ecting, yor
wk should
this young
ved to his
os, and was
r his brief
ll fragrant
» recall his
is powerful
iw, earnest
ject of his
ils. Most
o often en-
reshing to
iany,” and

ytedness to

vise to the
Northern
to begin a
oe then an
1 until this
ars and by
a century
luced, and

REV. JOSEPIL STIBBS CHRISTMAS, iS]

truly wonderful have been the results, As your space will not
admit of enlargement on a merely collateral topic, it may
suffice to notice that there were then only four Protestant
places of worship in’ the city, and that tho -agyre-
vato number of those who “ loved the Lord Jesus Christ in
sincerity,’ was lamentably small, There are now nearly
twenty Protestant houses of prayor. In most of these there
is an intelligent and carnest ministry, while the agvregate
of those who “know the truth in the love of it,” is large.
[tis not my purpose to trace the influence of the short
ministry of my loved friend, as giving impulse and impress
to this movement—/hat would be to write the history of
religion in Montreal during the last twenty-five years; but
the opinion may be recorded that He who orders all things
well, and who knows the end from the beginniny, os inade
use of that ministry in a very marked manacr in the
achievement of the progress, imperfect as it still is, over
which we now rejoice,

Mr. Christmas was the first pastor of a small church
formed of individuals who had been connected with a con-
vregation, gathered by a clergyman from Scotland, belong-
ing there to a dissenting Presbyterian Body, whose place
of worship in Montreal had been erected chiefly by pecu-
niary aid from the United States. On. the demise of that
clergyman, a bare majority of the owners of pews determin-
ed to become identified with the Hstablished Church of
Scotland, and, as a consequence, the above mentioned per-
sons—chiefly natives of the United States, seceded, and
formed themselves into a Church and Society, having at
length the corporate designation of “‘ the American Presby-
torian Church.” This infant body had enjoyed the tem-
porary services of several able young clergymen, but at

SY MEMOIR OF ‘TTT

longth rveecived the pastoral laborsof the subjeet of this
notice, Not personally identified at tho time with the chareh,
I have yet a distinet recollection of his first appearance in
this sphere of labor, and of the attractiveness of his minis.
try, notwithstanding the absurd prejudice which then ex-
isted im the minds of Mnglish-speaking people generally

against everything and everybody not of British origin.

My impressions are of his personal gracefulness and manly

beauty, as ho appeared in the pulpit, attired in clerical
vestments, as also of the finished style and forcible charae-
tor of his discourses. Quite young, he was yet manifestly,
“a seribe well instracted,”’—a workman whe “rightly di-
vided the word of truth.” Tis literary and theological
advantages, which had been great, he had used to good
purpose, so that he appeared on all oceasions “ thoroughly
nished.”’

The people of his immediate charge, not having yet com-
pleted the oreetion of their place of worship, were indebted
to other consregations for the use of theirs, at hours dur-
ing which they did not occupy them. This was in some
respeets a disadvantage in the work of organization ; yet it
had the effect of bringing the young minister to the notice
of many, who might otherwise have never heard him, There
wereat the time seattered through the other churches, certain
well-instru¢ted and devout adherents of several of the Dis-
senting Churches in England and Scotland, of which there
were no representatives here. There were Baptists, Inde-
pendents, and Presbyterians not of the Church of Scotland
—men and women of intelligence and piety. Some of
these were drawn around Mr, Christmas, because of sym-
pathy with his doctrinal views, and with the forms of Di-
vine worship adopted—as, for Instance, the use of Dr.

vet of this
he clwreh,
waranee in
P his minis:
h then ex-
» gonerally
ish oriem.,
and manly
in clerical
ble charae-
manifestly,
rightly di-
theological
ad to good

thoroughly

ig yet com-
‘o indebted
hours dur-
is in some
ion; yet it
the notice
iim. There
1es, certain
of the Dis:
hich there
‘ists, Inde-
f Scotland

Some of

ke of sym-
‘ms of Di-
se of Dr.

REV, JOSEP STIBBS CURISTMAS, L833

Watts’ Psalms and Tymns, Part of them united with the
church, while othors merely became identified with the eon-
vroyation, With much that was oxeellent. and effective,
however, this was not the characteristic period of our
friend's ministry, Tt was the Lord's purpose ere long to
vouchsafe to him a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit.

You are doubtless informed from other sourees of the
fact, that, after laboring a number of months, it beeame
neodful that he should visit the neighboring States, and
his own native region, partly for the purpose of obtaining
aid in the erection of the large place of worship in which
ho was to minister; and that, during this visit, he met the
lato Dr. Nottleton, and enjoyed the unspeakable advantage
of beholding one of those wonderful works of grace by
which the ministry of that remarkable man was at this
period attended. During his absence, the little flock was
much in prayer, while the Sabbath Sehool was maintained
with unwonted vigor. By uniting with that institution
as ateacher, I became, at this time, connected with the
congregation, and was also, [ humbly hope, “ found” by
that Good Shepherd who seeketh and saveth the lost.”

Unless I am greatly mistaken, Mr, Christmas returned
to his charge under the influence of what might perhaps
be denominated, not inappropriately, a second conversion.
Truly has the German poet sung

“ Barnestness is life.”

And it has been recently well said by a Quarterly Reviewer,
— The acorn is a quiet little nut; but let it be nourished
in the bosom of its mother earth, silently building up its
massive trunk amid the passing generations of trees and of

woodmen, and you bekold the living oak that wrestles stoutly

184 MEMOIR OF THE

with the storm. The lion’s whe'p, reposing in his lair, is
a gentle creature; but give him time, and he will show
you what isin him. The lightning sleeps in the thunder
cloud, but when it tears its prison, how it scathes and blasts
the works of nature and of man! How cold a thing is
gunpowder, only let the spark touch it! Even so is it in
the world of mind. Leta man’s soul be quickened, called
forth by some great principle, some grand ambition, and
up to the measure of his strength, and according to the
fashion of his inward thought, what deeds will he not do,
for good or for evil, just because he is in earnest, believing
strongly, and so acting out what he believes.’* This
‘‘oreat principle,” this “ grand ambition,” this master-pas-
sion, in Mr. Christmas, was henceforth the conversion of
sinners, and the advancement of our Lord’s Kingdom.
Devout before, and devoted, he had served the Lord in a
manner superior to many of his contemporaries; but now
it was absorption: “this one thing I do” was his practi-
cal motto; and everything was subordinate to this great
object. In him “ earnestness was life,” and a noble life
did it prove. Would that such impulses quickened us all
—how great then our effectiveness ! ;

My impressions are distinct of the unwonted solemnity
and power of his pulp:t exercises. His preaching was
doctrinal for purposes of instruction, and occasionally con.
troversial for the important end of discrimination. He
‘‘ chose acceptable words,” and handled the weapons of this
warfare with the skill of a master. I have sketches of
many of his discourses taken down at the time: they bear
the marks of adaptation to the existing wants of the peo-

eee cen ee a NY

* British Quarterly Review, No. XI., p. 244.

his lair, is
e will show
the thunder
s and blasts
a thing is
nso is it in
ened, called
nbition, and
ding to the
l he not do,
st, believing
23. This
} master-pas-
onversion of
s Kingdom.
e Lord in a
s; but now
8 his practi-
o this great
a noble life
kened us all

d solemnity
aching was
ionally con.
ation. He
pons of this
sketches of
; they bear
of the peo-

REV. JOSEPH! STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 185

ple, as well as of much beauty and force. Usefulness is
obviously the design according to which they were compos-
ed. Some of the practical appeals are remarkably pungent
and searching; others are full of earnest tenderness. He
understood the sentiment in its highest sense,—‘ Omnia
vineit amor.” And yet I recollect one or more instances
of individuals becoming so infuriated by the scorching dis-
crimination of some of his sermons, that, as confessed af.
terwards, temptation was felt to shoot the preacher. I do
not remember ever leaving the house of prayer, with the
inpressions, in some quarters so common, which suggest
the remarks,—“ that was a well written sermon ’’— “ there
was much originality of thought in that discourse ’—“ that
minister’s style is very chaste.” No. It was all home work
—the preacher was forgotten in the truth, and so earnest
was he that people should hear and feel tha¢, that he stood
modestly behind it, not desirous of himself being noticed.
Yet his style was easy and graceful, and frequently of a
high character. I think you will agree in the opinion that
“Waledictory Admonitions,’—a pamphlet of thirty-six
pages, octavo, is beautifully and vigorously written, and,
so far as I recollect, such was hisaccustomed style. Many
of his discourses were written fully out, but he never
read them in the pulpit. He appeared there usually, and I
think uniformly, without notes. His delivery was chaste and
very solemn; but too unimpassioned for the higher flights
of oratory. His public prayers were quite remarkable for
scriptural phrases happily introduced, as also for fervor and
solemnity. I never heard him use a coarse, or familiar,
or slang expression in prayer, My impression is that he
frequently composed prayers in order to improvement in
this part of public worship. Occasionally, after the intro-
N

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186 MEMOIR OF THE

ductory devotional exercises, he would pronounce the text
of his discourse, and then pause, saying—“ Christians, I am
about to address the unconcerned (or some other class) from
these words , it will be in vain without the Divine blessing—
let us spend a minute in united, silent prayer.” That min-
ute or two of stillness, only here and there broken by the
sigh of the earnest petitioners, was an effecting preparative
for a discourse full of “‘ Christ and Him crucified.” Truly
did he say in “Valedictory Admonitions,’—‘‘ During four
years, I have testified to you the Gospel of the grace of God.
[ have sedulously avoided all curious questions, doubtful dis-
putations, and every subject whose radiations do not branch
into the very heart of Christianity. The Heart-searcher is
witness that I have been anxious to engrave such truths upon
your mind, as it were worthy an immortal spirit to bear re-
corded on the tablets of the heart, and such as I knew must
one day be exhibited as evidence of what was written on
my own.” ‘“ When I think that perhaps a little more
painstaking on my part, a little more travail of the heart
in prayer, a little more labor of the intellect in the pre-
sentation of motives, a little more toil of the body in fol-
lowing you with entreaties of solicitude to your dwellings,
might possibly have saved some one, I feel that there may
be a propriety in adopting the Psalmist’s petition,—‘ De-
liver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my
salvation.’”’ What earnestness |!

His character was simple, childlike, spotless. He knew
comparatively little of the world—occasionally this was a
disadvantage in the midst of a mixed and busy population
like ours. Still, whatever observers or opponents may have
said of his enthusiasm, or even of his fanaticism, they
could not question the sincerity and consistency of his

ce the text
stians, I am
class) from
2 blessing—-
That min-
ken by the
preparative
ed.” Truly
During four
race of God.
loubtful dis-
ynot branch
t-searcher is
truths upon
t to bear re-
knew must

s written on
little more
of the heart
in the pre-
body in fol-
r dwellings,
there may
tion,—‘ De-
God of my

He knew
r this was a
7 population
ts may have
icism, they
pacy of his

REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS. 187

godliness. Into the details of the blessed revivals of re-
ligion which occurred here and in the neighboring town
of St. Andrews, your limits will not permit me to enter.
But it may be noted with respect to his own course, that
while he labored untiringly and to exhaustion, he also
found employment for others. Christians were instructed
in their responsibility as stewards, and they were carnestly
enjoined to be faithful. Although a personal matter, it may
not be without interest for me to state that, having united
with the church some months after Mr. C.’s return from the
visit to the United States, above alluded to, he ere long
kindly but solemnly called my attention to the Christian
ministry. He was only two years my senior, but I well recol-
lect the impression his appeal produced upon my mind.
At the time I did not yield, having doubts as to the mat-
ter of duty. It may be well to state, however, for the pur-
pose of exciting others to “‘go and do likewise,” that he
was authorized by a gentleman in Philadelphia, of whose
name I was then and still remain ignorant, to offer me the
needful pecuniary advances in the way of loan or otherwise.
At the time I was just entering into new commercial rela-
tions. But the suggestion of my beloved friend never left
me; the path of duty gradually opened to my own mind ;
and, kaving acquired sufficient pecuniary means in busi-
ness to pay my own expenses through a course of study,
Mr. Christmas had the gratification of seeing me abandon
profitable commercial engagements for that higher work to
which he had been the first to direct my attention. You
will pardon this allusion to a personal affair—it is made in
order to illustrate the fact that the subject of this notice
endeavored to press allinto that department of the Lord’s
service, for which he supposed them respectively qualified.

188 MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOSEPH STIBBS CHRISTMAS.

I have already exceeded your limits, and must not ex-
tend my remarks. It is now more than twenty years since
we parted, to meet no more, until the Father’s house is
opened not for one only, but, if it may be, through grace,
for both. He, prostrated in health, and compelled to
relinquish his charge, was on the eve of returning to his
native South—I, on the eve of sailing to my native east on
the other side the Atlantic, there to pursue literary and
theological studies. In two years more, after laying his
lovely babes and his admirable wife in the grave, this gifted,
useful servant of Christ was called home to his rest and
reward. But he lived much and long in a short time, if
life is to be measured by effective service. Some of us
would joyously hail the comforting assurance, could we know
that as much hath been done for Christ’s glory in the sal-
vation of men, during a ministry of three or four times the
length of his, as he was honored to achieve in .. very few
years. The Lord make us faithful; and the results may
be safely left with Him.

Believe me, my dear Sir, yours faithful’.
HENRY W1.,KES.

CHRISTMAS,

must not ex-
y years since
er’s house is
rough grace,
ompelled to
ining to his
ative east on
literary and
ar laying his
e, this gifted,
his rest and
hort time, if
Some of us
uld we know
y in the sal-
ur times the
1.. very few
results may

ul!

'1uKES,

A teu Chretien te

‘ly